Mitch Barnhart Pens Letter to PAC-12 about Music City Bowl Officiating

by:Nick Roush01/11/18

@RoushKSR

UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart publicly defended the Kentucky football team's actions at the Music City Bowl.  We've now learned that he also voiced his grievances in an official letter to the Pac-12 conference. Addressed to the Pac-12's vice president of officiating, David Coleman, Barnhart used strong language to defend his football team.  Here are just a few of the excerpts regarding Benny Snell's ejection that were obtained via open records request by the Herald-Leader:
“We feel great disappointment that what was supposed to be a quality bowl experience for our young people and our university was marred by these incidents.” “The intent of the no-contact rule – protection of officials – was not adhered to in this case,” Barnhart said in his opening paragraphs. “Video of the incident does not support the call made on the field or the statement made by the officiating crew postgame.”
Barnhart also addressed the missed late hit that forced Stephen Johnson to temporarily exit the game with an injury.  UK's Orthopedic doctor was quoted, “calling it a safety issue for both the player and those treating him.” Kentucky's athletic director should be applauded for going to bat for his players.  Barnhart has done everything in his power to make right all the Music City Bowl wrongs. Read more of Mitch Barnhart's Letter to the Pac-12 from the Herald-Leader. [mobile_ad]

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