SEC fines Kentucky coach Mark Pope for criticizing officials after loss to Auburn

The SEC issued a public reprimand and fined Kentucky coach Mark Pope $25,000 for comments made about officiating following Kentucky's Feb. 21 loss to Auburn. Reporters attending Pope's press conference recorded a conversation between Pope and Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart after Pope left the podium. Pope seemed to take issue with a late offensive foul call on Kentucky's Collin Chandler, which gave Auburn possession of the ball with 14 seconds left to play. Auburn forward Elyjah Freeman then scored a last-second tip-in bucket that gave Auburn its 75-74 victory. "Mitch, if those MFers try to fine me, screw them,"...