Big 12 responds to Mark Harlan’s criticism of officiating by issuing a steep fine and public reprimand

The Big 12 retaliated against Mark Harlan on Sunday, less than 24 hours after Utah’s athletic director questioned the officiating crew’s competence and integrity in the heated aftermath of a 22-21 loss to Brigham Young.

The conference issued a public reprimand and fined Harlan $40,000, warning that repeat behavior would result “in a more serious penalty.”

“Mark’s comments irresponsibly challenged our officials’ professionalism and the integrity of the Big 12 Conference,” commissioner Brett Yormark said in a statement.

“There is a right and wrong way to express concerns. Unfortunately, Mark chose the wrong path. As a result, this violation merits a public reprimand and a financial penalty. The Big 12 Conference has prioritized professionalism, integrity, and fairness and will continue to do so.”

Utah did not immediately respond.

Not surprisingly, the fine was high. For context, last winter, the Big 12 fined Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades $25,000 for calling basketball officiating “an embarrassment” after coach Scott Drew was assessed two technical fouls and ejected.

Harlan was enraged by a defensive holding penalty on fourth down with 90 seconds left on Saturday night, which gave the Cougars a second chance — one they converted into the winning field goal.

But he did more than just aim at the call. Harlan entered the postgame press conference and went where few athletic directors or head coaches ever go:

He publicly criticized the officials’ professionalism and expressed (temporary) dissatisfaction with Utah’s membership in the Big 12 itself.

“This game was absolutely stolen from us,” Harlan said. “We were excited to be in the Big 12, but tonight I am not. We won the game. Someone stole it from us. I’m extremely disappointed. “I’ll talk to the commissioner.”

He made no mention of the officials attempting to protect Brigham Young’s undefeated record or a possible berth in the College Football Playoff.

“This was not fair to our team,” he explained. “I’m disgusted by the professionalism of the officiating crew tonight.”

The controversy broke out in two waves, with the Cougars trailing by two points and facing fourth-and-10 from their own nine — with no timeouts remaining:

— First, the officials appeared to give BYU a late timeout as an attempted pass play began.

— Following the timeout, quarterback Jake Retzlaff was sacked for an eight-yard loss with 1:22 left, seemingly sealing Utah’s victory.

However, a defensive holding penalty on cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn, who was defending receiver Keelan Marion, earned BYU a first down. Eight plays later, kicker Will Ferrin hit the game-winning 44-yard field goal.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, whose team did not score in the second half, was more reserved in his criticism of the officials.

“Tough way to lose a game,” he said. “What an unfortunate way to lose a game…” The game was over, but then it wasn’t.

When asked about the controversial finish, Whittingham stated, “It’s a ridiculous situation, but I’m not going to get into it…” Things out there were ridiculous.

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