SEC Toughens Penalties for Coaches Criticizing Officials

The SEC has toughened penalties for coaches criticizing officials, reports the Associated Press. Three SEC coaches were reprimanded for criticizing officials within two weeks, with the SEC now issuing fines and possible suspensions for similar actions in the future. Each school in the SEC was sent a memorandum, making the changes effective immediately.
Lane Kiffin, coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, has been reprimanded twice this season for criticizing officials, states the Seattle Post Intelligencer. "SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 requires that coaches, assistant coaches, players, support personnel and others associated with the institution's athletics program refrain from public criticism of officials."