Meyer's complaint provides test case to new SEC policy
By Jon Solomon -- The Birmingham News
November 04, 2009, 4:23PM
SEC spokesman Charles Bloom said today Commissioner Mike Slive is aware of Florida coach Urban Meyer's criticism of officiating and no disciplinary measure has been taken yet. A new SEC policy established last week calls for a fine or suspension for public criticism of officials, replacing the previous policy of a reprimand.
"The commissioner is out of town on other business," Bloom said. "He is aware of the comments made by Coach Meyer. There will be nothing coming out today. There may be something in the next few days."
On the SEC teleconference today, Meyer said the crew calling last week's Florida-Georgia game should have flagged Georgia linebacker Nick Williams for knocking down Gators quarterback Tim Tebow well after he got rid of the football.
"That should have been a penalty, in my opinion," Meyer said. "Obviously, it should have been. You've got to protect quarterbacks. That's the whole purpose. It's right in front of the referee. I'm not sure how they're going to handle that, but ... that was one of the plays we did send in."
Meyer made his comments after being asked about it by a reporter and prefaced his statement by saying he has "great respect" for SEC officials and the way the conference handles complaints.
Last week, the 12 SEC schools gave Slive authority to hand out fines or suspensions at his discretion to coaches who complain. That came after three SEC coaches received reprimands over a two-week period.
Slive said last Friday that he would determine punishments on a case-by-case basis.
"Any coach who complains about officiating takes a substantial risk," Slive said last Friday. "There will be no more reprimands."
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