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4w ago

SEC Fines Kentucky’s Mark Pope $25,000 Over Hot-Mic Criticism of Officiating

The penalty follows hot-mic comments after the Auburn loss deemed a breach of league sportsmanship rules.

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Feb 21, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope reacts after his team was called for a foul during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Neville Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - FEBRUARY 7: Head coach Mark Pope of the Kentucky Wildcats coaches during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena on February 7, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Conference officials issued a public reprimand and a $25,000 fine for Pope’s postgame conduct following Kentucky’s 75-74 loss at Auburn on Feb. 21.
  • The SEC cited Bylaw 10.5.3 and the Commissioner’s Regulation on Public Criticism of Officials, which bar public critiques of referees and disclosure of officiating communications.
  • Reporters’ audio captured Pope telling athletic director Mitch Barnhart that officials had “cheated us,” remarks the league used as the basis for discipline.
  • A late offensive foul on Kentucky’s Collin Chandler with about 14 seconds left preceded Elyjah Freeman’s game-winning tip-in for Auburn with roughly 1.1 seconds remaining.
  • The SEC noted fines are enforced by the Conference Office under member-approved policies and are directed to conference programs, including post‑graduate scholarships; Kentucky is 17-10 (8-6 SEC) after three straight losses with seeding implications ahead.