Backed into a corner, SEC comes out swinging $30K fine at Meyer

I recounted Thursday the long chain of calls, apologies, complaints and threats that put the SEC in the position of potentially fining or suspending Florida coach Urban Meyer for criticizing conference officials, with one looming question: Did the conference really have the guts to drop the hammer on its most visible, most successful and highest-paid coach for a mild line in a press conference? Today, the SEC office answered authoritatively: Yes, yes it does. Florida coach Urban Meyer was fined $30,000 by the Southeastern Conference for his public comments concerning officiating, Commissioner Mike Slive announced Friday. [...] "Coach Meyer has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics," Slive said. "SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 clearly states that the coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from public criticism of officials. The league’s Athletics Directors and Presidents and Chancellors have made it clear that negative public comments on officiating...