SEC fines Meyer $30,000

Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive smacked Urban Meyer right in the wallet Friday, fining the Florida coach $30,000 for his public comments Wednesday concerning officiating.

The fine is the first under the league's tougher new policy concerning coaches making critical comments about officials.

"Coach Meyer has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics," Slive said, in announcing the fine. "SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 clearly states that the coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from public criticism of officials."

On the league's weekly coaches' teleconference Wednesday, Meyer made a comment about an official's no-call in the Gators 41-17 victory over Georgia in Jacksonville.

UF earlier in the week sent a tape to the SEC office in Birmingham, Ala., for the league to review showing quarterback Tim Tebow being hit late by Georgia linebacker Nick Williams.

On the teleconference with the media Wednesday, Meyer was asked what he thought of the play and how had the league responded.

“I’m not sure I’m allowed to give you that, what they said. I don’t want to step out of line," Meyer said. "Once again I always have great confidence in (the SEC). It should have been a penalty in my opinion. Obviously it should have been. You have to protect quarterbacks. That is the whole purpose of (the rules). It’s right in front of the referee. But once again I have great (respect). I’m not sure how they will handle that, but we do send it in and that was one of the plays we sent in."

Slive reviewed Meyer's comments and decided to fine him. Slive also had the option of suspending Meyer.

Meyer apologized for his remarks Friday.

"As I stated last week, I have great respect for Commissioner Mike Slive and the Southeastern Conference and I respect this decision," Meyer said. "There was no intent to criticize an official after being asked about a situation that occurred last Saturday and I apologize for my remarks."

With the substantial fine, the SEC is sending a strong message to the league's other coaches about being critical of officials.

Last week, in the wake of critical comments made by Tennessee's Lane Kiffin and Mississippi State's Dan Mullen, the league's athletic directors, with the support of school presidents and chancellors, voted unanimously to enforce Bylaw 10.5.4 with suspensions and fines.

Meyer became the first coach to fall under it.

Contact Robbie Andreu at 352-374-5022 or at andreur@gvillesun.com.