Big 12 Issues Public Reprimand of Utah AD

IRVING, TX - The Utah Utes lost a close matchup to the undefeated BYU Cougars last Saturday, and Utah Director of Athletics Mark Harlan was not happy about it. Harlan took to the press game podium before Head Coach Kyle Whittingham and the other Utah players to air out his grievances at the narrow defeat.

“This game was absolutely stolen from us,” Harlan said. “We were excited about being in the Big 12, but tonight I am not. We won this game. Someone else stole it from us. Very disappointed. I will talk to the commissioner. This was not fair to our team. I’m disgusted by the professionalism of the officiating crew tonight.”

The Big 12 issued the following statement on Sunday, November 10.

"Mark's comments irresponsibly challenged the professionalism of our officials and the integrity of the Big 12 Conference," Commissioner Brett Yormark said. "There is a right way and a wrong way to voice concerns. Unfortunately, Mark chose the wrong way. Accordingly, this violation warrants a public reprimand and financial penalty. The Big 12 Conference prioritizes professionalism, integrity, and fairness, and will continue to do so."

In addition to the public dressing down, Harlan was fined $40,000 for the comments he made following the loss to BYU. The Cougars were down big in the 2nd half but managed a miraculous come-from-behind victory on a last-second Will Ferrin 44-yard field goal to secure a 22-21 victory.

Utah looked to have stopped BYU twice on 4th down on the go ahead drive that won the game. A defensive holding penalty was called on one of the plays, and officials awarded BYU a timeout prior to the snap on the other. The Cougars moved up two spots to No. 7 overall in the AP poll on Sunday with the win over Utah. 

Harlan responded to the fine and the public reprimand on Sunday.

“Last night following our game against BYU, I made clear my feelings related to the game officiating,” Harlan said. “However, I recognize that there are more appropriate times and avenues to express those concerns, and I accept the consequences of my decision. My comments came after having just left our team locker room where our student-athletes were hurting and upset.”