Kiffin reprimanded by SEC for officiating comments

Sports Network | October 26, 2009

Birmingham, AL (Sports Network) - Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin has been reprimanded by the Southeastern Conference for public comments he made about officiating from Saturday's game against Alabama.

Kiffin complained about the disparity in penalties from the 12-10 loss and added that he didn't run another play before attempting a 44-yard field goal attempt that was blocked in the final seconds, in part for fear of another flag.

"You run another play and you throw an interception or they throw another flag on us," Kiffin said Sunday. "I wasn't going to let the refs lose the game for us there and some magical flag appear."

The Vols were whistled for eight penalties on Saturday, while Alabama was called for just one penalty.

"We're the second-least penalized team in the country going in," Kiffin continued. "They're 60th in the country, and you go down there and it's very disappointing to have [eight] flags thrown at you and one at them. That's very hard to deal with."

Kiffin added Sunday that he thought a penalty should have been called against Alabama's Terrence Cody, who blocked the kick and followed by taking off his helmet in celebration before the play was completed.

"If a play's still going, you can't take your helmet off," Kiffin remarked. "The ball's still sitting there. It's live. If Luke [Stocker] sees the ball, he can pick it up and go score a touchdown to win the game.

"A guy throws his helmet as the ball's still live. He throws his helmet and then two of their guys go and recover the ball. It's a 15-yard penalty and you kick again."

Kiffin also said Sunday he expected a letter of reprimand by the conference for making his comments and the league on Monday complied.

"Coach Kiffin has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics," said SEC commissioner Mike Slive in a statement. "SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 clearly states that coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from all public criticism of officials.

"This is the second reprimand for Coach Kiffin in this calendar year. Coach Kiffin is on notice that any further violations of SEC policies will subject him to additional penalties, including suspension."

Kiffin was first reprimanded by the conference on February 5 after he made comments alleging that Florida violated recruiting rules.