SEC Fines Kentucky's Mark Pope $25K for Post-Game Conduct

Pope criticized officials after narrow loss to Auburn

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Kentucky head coach Mark Pope has been fined $25,000 by the Southeastern Conference for his post-game comments criticizing the officiating following his team's 75-74 loss at Auburn last week. Pope walked a fine line in his remarks, saying the league does not allow coaches to comment on referees, but that the officials were "cheating" his team. The SEC said Pope violated league bylaws prohibiting public criticism of officials.

Why it matters

Coaches criticizing officials is a common occurrence in college basketball, but the SEC takes a firm stance against it, levying fines to discourage such behavior. This fine highlights the league's commitment to maintaining professionalism and respect for the officiating crew, even in the heat of a close, emotional game.

The details

In the final seconds of the game, Kentucky was called for an offensive foul, which led to Auburn's game-winning tip-in. In his postgame comments, Pope said he was "not allowed to comment on the referees" but that the officials had been "super personal" and "cheated" his team. He also made an explicit remark to the athletic director about the league fining him, using profanity.

  • The incident occurred on February 18, 2026 following Kentucky's 75-74 loss at Auburn.
  • Pope was fined by the SEC on February 25, 2026.

The players

Mark Pope

The head coach of the University of Kentucky men's basketball team.

Mitch Barnhart

The athletic director at the University of Kentucky.

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What they’re saying

“We're not allowed to talk about the referees, but you guys saw it, and I think sometimes it's just super personal. I'm not allowed to comment on the referees. I won't comment on the referees. It's unfortunate. It didn't cost us the game.”

— Mark Pope, Head Coach, University of Kentucky (Field Level Media)

“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, University of Kentucky (Field Level Media)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.