Kentucky coach Mark Pope fined by SEC for postgame comments

The SEC has imposed a $25,000 fine on Kentucky’s coach, Mark Pope, for his “conduct and remarks after the game” involving his team’s narrow 75-74 defeat at Auburn on Saturday, as reported by the league.

Auburn clinched the victory with Elyjah Freeman’s tip-in with just 1.1 seconds remaining. This moment followed a contentious offensive foul call against Collin Chandler that allowed Auburn to secure the win.

“Mitch, if those mother F’ers try to fine me, screw ’em because I did not say a word about how they cheated us,” Pope expressed to Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart while departing the postgame podium.

The league announced that Pope’s remarks breached SEC regulations post-game.

“Kentucky men’s basketball coach Mark Pope has received a public reprimand and a $25,000 fine from the Southeastern Conference due to post-game actions and comments about officiating after the Wildcats’ match against Auburn on February 21,” stated the SEC in their Tuesday announcement. “These comments contravened SEC Bylaw 10.5.3 (Sportsmanship) and the SEC Commissioner’s Regulation on Public Criticism of Officials, which forbid coaches, players, and institutional staff from publicly criticizing officials or revealing officiating-related communications.”

This past Saturday marked Kentucky’s third consecutive defeat, with the team reportedly investing over $20 million into its current roster, and the fourth loss within seven games just ahead of Selection Sunday. During the closing minutes, Chandler received a foul for pushing against an Auburn player during an inbounds play with nearly 14 seconds left. Following that, Auburn secured their victory with Freeman’s putback.

Following the match, Pope emphasized the importance of his team maintaining focus, even amidst personal tensions.

“We refuse to surrender control to individuals outside our program. We refuse,” Pope stated post-defeat. “No matter how personal it may become or how challenging it gets, we will not relinquish power to fans or anyone else involved in this game. Regardless of the blatant efforts to alter our path, we decline to hand over our control. … We don’t make excuses. We don’t do that. No matter what is taking place. Regardless of how disgraceful the circumstances may be, we will not give away our power. No matter how embarrassing, personal, or unacceptable everything is, we will not surrender our power.”