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Kentucky Coach Mark Pope Fined by SEC for Post-Game Comments
The SEC penalized Pope $25,000 for criticizing officials after a close loss to Auburn.
Feb. 24, 2026 at 5:52pm
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The Southeastern Conference has fined Kentucky men's basketball coach Mark Pope $25,000 for his "post-game conduct and comments" following the team's 75-74 loss at Auburn on February 21. Pope criticized the officials and said the team would not "give away our power" despite the "disgraceful" and "personal" nature of the game's outcome.
Why it matters
Coaches criticizing officiating is a sensitive issue in college sports, as leagues seek to maintain the integrity of the game and avoid public disputes over calls. The fine highlights the SEC's efforts to enforce sportsmanship standards and discourage public attacks on officials, even in the heat of a close, emotional loss.
The details
In the final seconds of the game, Kentucky's Collin Chandler was called for an offensive foul, which set up Auburn's game-winning tip-in. After the game, Pope was caught on camera telling Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart that if the league "tries to fine me, screw 'em because I did not say a word about how they cheated us." The SEC said Pope's comments violated the league's rules prohibiting public criticism of officials.
- The game was played on February 21, 2026.
- The SEC announced the fine on February 24, 2026.
The players
Mark Pope
The head coach of the Kentucky men's basketball team.
Collin Chandler
A Kentucky player who was called for a controversial offensive foul late in the game against Auburn.
Elyjah Freeman
The Auburn player who scored the game-winning tip-in for Auburn.
Mitch Barnhart
The athletic director of the University of Kentucky.
What they’re saying
“Mitch, if those 'mother f'ers' try to fine me, screw 'em because I did not say a word about how they cheated us,”
— Mark Pope, Head Coach, Kentucky Men's Basketball
“We refuse to give control to people that are outside of our program. Refuse. Regardless of how personal it might get or how bad it might get, we refuse to give control to fans, to give control to anybody else associated with this game. Regardless of how blatantly people are trying to make this not happen, we refuse to give them our power. ... We don't make excuses. We don't do that. Regardless of what is happening. Regardless of how disgraceful things are, we don't give away our power. Regardless of how embarrassing, personal, awful, unacceptable things are, we refuse to give away our power.”
— Mark Pope, Head Coach, Kentucky Men's Basketball
What’s next
The SEC has not indicated whether it will take any further disciplinary action against Coach Pope beyond the $25,000 fine.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the fine line coaches must walk when criticizing officiating, as the SEC seeks to maintain control over public discourse around its games. Pope's defiant comments, even in the heat of a tough loss, resulted in a significant financial penalty that serves as a warning to other coaches about the consequences of publicly attacking game officials.
