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Big 12 fines Utah AD Mark Harlan for comments on officiating, 'visibly berating' referee

Chandler Vesselsby: Chandler Vessels11/10/24ChandlerVessels
mark harlan
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Big 12 has issued a $40,000 fine to Utah athletic director Mark Harlan after his comments about officiating following the Utes’ 22-21 loss to BYU on Saturday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported.

Harlan appeared in the postgame press conference to say that the game was “stolen” from Utah, referring to a call at the end of the game. Late in the fourth quarter on the eventual game-winning drive, it appeared as if the Utes had forced a turnover on downs to win the game after they sacked quarterback Jake Retzlaff.

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However, a defensive holding call gave BYU a first down and allowed it to go down the field and kick the game-winning field goal with three seconds left.

“This game was absolutely stolen from us,” Harlan said. “We were excited about being in the Big 12, but tonight I am not. We won this game. Someone else stole it from us. Very disappointed.

“I will talk to the commissioner. This was not fair to our team. I’m disgusted by the professionalism of the officiating crew tonight.”

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In addition to his comments, Harlan was also captured on camera wagging his finger in the face of an official as he walked off the field. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark released a statement on the decision to issue a fine to the Utah AD.

“Mark’s comments irresponsibly challenged the professionalism of our officials and the integrity of the Big 12 Conference,” Yormark said. “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 loss marks the fifth straight for Utah after it began the season 4-0 and entered the year No. 1 in the Big 12 preseason poll. As for BYU, the Cougars managed to stay unbeaten and keep their spot atop the Big 12 standings.

Utah next has a matchup against Colorado in Week 12, where it will hope to get things back on track.