Coaches, SEC battle

THE ISSUE

The Southeastern Conference continues to reprimand coaches who complain publicly about referees.

One could argue that first-year Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin should call his thoughts into a huddle before he throws another verbal bomb.

Maybe it's the boyish looks, the fact that he's young for his position or that he has disrespected several of his elders, but Kiffin can't seem to stay out of the principal's office.

His latest troubles came after criticizing the officiating crew in the 12-10 loss to Alabama.

Kiffin questioned why officials failed to penalize the Crimson Tide for unsportsmanlike conduct after defensive lineman Terrence Cody removed his helmet and threw it after blocking a field goal on the last play.

Kiffin also said he decided to let the clock run down instead of running another play before the kick because he was concerned about the officiating.

"I wasn't going to let the refs lose the game for us there and some magical flag appear," the coach said.

So now Kiffin is in a crowded doghouse. The Southeastern Conference reprimanded him along with Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen. Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson soon could squeeze in to join them.

"Coach Kiffin has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics," said SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. "SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 clearly states that coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from all public criticism of officials."

Forgive us for not paying all due respect to SEC Bylaw 10.5.4, but this is college football. It's a game of high emotion. That's what makes it so exciting.

It's refreshing to find coaches who are brave enough to speak their minds. They should be able to say whatever they want to say about the officiating crew and the SEC should be big enough to take the criticism.

A penalty Saturday against Alabama's Cody wouldn't have altered the outcome for Tennessee because the ball had already changed possession.

But that doesn't mean Kiffin shouldn't have the right to protest. Fans, peers and opponents are perfectly capable of penalizing coaches for brash statements. They don't need assistance from the SEC.