SEC commissioner ups the ante

E-Mail

Print Reprint or license

Text Size:

tool goes here

Southeastern Conference football coaches who dare to publicly criticize officials now face a fine or suspension rather than a reprimand.

To make this gag rule even more threatening:

n The length of the suspension and the amount of the fine will be at the discretion of SEC Commissioner Mike Slive.

n Head coaches will be punished for any public criticism uttered by their “assistant coaches or other support personnel.”

Are SEC officials really that thin-skinned? Or is it just Slive?

The SEC has acknowledged this season that it has had some very bad officiating. But instead of welcoming constructive feedback from its coaches, it has reprimanded three and now threatens even harsher repercussions for coaches who dare to say publicly what millions of TV viewers have seen.

Whether peewee or pro, football is a contact sport that should be properly officiated. When it is not, that should be a matter that anyone, including coaches, can discuss openly and honestly.

The editorial above represents the views of the Sun Herald editorial board, which consists of President-Publisher Glen Nardi, Vice President and Executive Editor Stan Tiner, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Flora S. Point, Opinion Page Editor B. Marie Harris and Associate Editor Tony Biffle.