Big 12 responds to Utah AD Harlan's criticism of officiating, issues steep fine and public reprimand

The Big 12 fired back at Mark Harlan on Sunday, less than 24 hours after Utah’s athletic director questioned the officiating crew’s competency and integrity in the heated aftermath of a 22-21 loss to BYU.

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

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

“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.”

Utah did not immediately issue a response.

Not surprisingly, the fine was steep. For context, consider that the Big 12 fined Baylor athletic director UA grad Mack Rhoades $25,000 last winter for calling the basketball officiating “an embarrassment” after coach Scott Drew was assessed two technicals and ejected against Iowa State.

Harlan, also a UA grad, was infuriated by a defensive holding penalty on fourth down with 90 seconds remaining Saturday night that gave the Cougars a second chance — a chance they turned into the winning field goal.

But he did more than take aim at the call itself. Harlan walked into the postgame news conference and went where few athletic directors or head coaches ever venture:

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

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“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. I’m very disappointed. I will talk to the commissioner.”

He did not indicate that he thought the officials were trying to protect BYU’s undefeated record and a potential berth in the College Football Playoff.

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

The controversy came in two waves, with the Cougars trailing by two points and facing fourth-and-10 from their own 9-yard line — with no timeouts remaining:

• First, the officials granted BYU what appeared to be a late timeout as an attempted pass play began to unfold.
• After the timeout, quarterback Jake Retzlaff was sacked for an 8-yard loss with 1:22 remaining that seemingly sealed Utah’s victory.

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

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

“Tough way to lose a game,” he said. “Unfortunate way to lose a game … Game was over, and then it wasn’t.”

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