Paul Finebaum calls out John Cohen for statement on officiating vs. Oklahoma

As the fallout continues from the officiating in last week’s game against Oklahoma, Auburn athletics director John Cohen released a statement Thursday doubling down on the criticism. It drew a response from Paul Finebaum.

The play in question occurred in the first half when OU ran a play described as a “hideout tactic” by the SEC. Isaiah Sategna was wide open in the back of the end zone after walking toward the sideline, and he caught a touchdown pass from John Mateer. Auburn coach Hugh Freeze also made his thoughts clear on the play and call from the officials.

Finebaum called out the timing of the statement from Cohen, which came less than 48 hours before the Tigers will take on Texas A&M in Week 5. While he agreed with the sentiment about the controversial call in the loss to Oklahoma, Finebaum wondered why Cohen spoke out Thursday – five days later.

“Interesting statement,” Finebaum said on The Paul Finebaum Show Thursday after reading it on-air. “Certainly, there is every reason for a coach and an athletic director, in this case, to be frustrated. The only thing I have to offer, though, is why now? You try to turn the page. You put this out.

“Your program is about to head to Texas [A&M]. Why do you affect the pregame for a bigger game than the one you just lost because of the loss, and say something that everybody probably agrees with and what does it serve? It’s just a thought. Kind of late in the week.”

In his statement, Cohen said he and Auburn president Chris Roberts have had “extensive conversations” with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey. He added the league made it clear the rule was not officiated correctly, therefore impacting the game. Oklahoma won, 24-17.

“We remain extremely disappointed because our young men prepare each week to compete at the highest level,” Cohen wrote. “They deserve to have the game officiated at an optimum level.

“We fully understand the human element of the officiating process. Judgment calls don’t always go your way. Saturday went beyond judgment calls. A specifically emphasized rule was not properly officiated which impacted the game by giving our opponent the lead. As the SEC acknowledged, the Auburn family and our student athletes deserved better.”

Oklahoma is on a bye this week before taking on Kent State in Week 6. Auburn, meanwhile, will head to Texas A&M to take on the Aggies Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.