SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 11, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The seemingly impulsive decision to question the officiating of the BYU-Utah game is going to cost University of Utah athletic director of Mark Harlan a bundle, $40K to be exact.
The record fine was levied Sunday by the Big 12 Conference less than 24 hours after Harlan entered the media room prior to a post game press conference and blasted not only the officials, but also the Big 12 Conference.
“I’ve been an athletic director for 12 years. This game was absolutely stolen from us,” Harlan said matter-of-factly.
“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.
“This is not fair to our team. I am disgusted by the professionalism of the officiating crew tonight.”
With that, Harlan stood up and briskly walked from the room.
The Big 12 Conference wasted little time in its response, which was posted on the Big 12 Conference website Sunday afternoon.
In accordance with the Big 12 Conference sportsmanship policies, the Conference has issued a public reprimand of University of Utah’s Director of Athletics Mark Harlan for his actions at the conclusion of the game against BYU and his comments following the game. Additionally, he will be issued a $40,000 fine. Harlan has been informed that a repeat of such behavior will result in a more serious penalty.
“Mark’s comments irresponsibly challenged the professionalism of our officials and the integrity of the Big 12 Conference,” said Commissioner Brett Yormark. “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.”
The Big 12 Conference will have no further comment on this issue.
Harlan responded to the Big 12’s announcement with a statement of his own, and while he explained his actions Sunday night, he did not offer an apology.
“Last night following our game against BYU, I made clear my feelings related to the game officiating. 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. The University of Utah is proud to be a member of the Big 12 Conference and we look forward to working with our peers to continue to enhance the league. BYU, Coach Sitake and their coaches and student-athletes are having a terrific season and we wish them the very best.”
According to ESPN’s Mark Thamal, the Big 12 Conference has levied other significant fines for coaches and school administrators who have publicly criticized game officiating. In 2014, Iowa State’s athletic director Jamie Pollard was hit with a $25,000 fine, as was Texas Tech’s athletic director Kirby Hocutt, in 2019. Baylor’s athletic director Mack Rhoades also was fined $25,000 for calling the officiating of a February 2024 basketball game “an embarrassment for the league.”
