Kentucky coach Mark Pope fined $25,000 by SEC for postgame comments in violation of conference bylaw
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope looks on during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Florida, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla. Credit: AP/Chris Watkins
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky coach Mark Pope has been fined $25,000 by the Southeastern Conference for his “post-game conduct and comments” related to officiating following the Wildcats' 75-74 loss to Auburn on Saturday, the league announced Tuesday.
Pope's comments were in violation of an SEC Bylaw that deal with sportsmanship, one which prohibits coaches, student-athletes and institutional staff from publicly criticizing officials or disclosing officiating-related communications.
According to reports from multiple outlets, Pope used a profanity to Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart as he left the postgame podium. The comments were in reference to a costly foul by Collin Chandler with 14 seconds remaining in regulation and Kentucky leading 74-73.
Chandler was called for an offensive foul, which set up Auburn for a game-winning shot. The loss was Kentucky's third straight, and dropped the Wildcats to 17-10 overall and 8-6 in conference.
