Utah AD Fined $40K for Criticizing Refs After Controversial BYU Loss

Utah athletic director Mark Harlan was fined $40,000 by the Big 12 Conference for publicly criticizing referees and the conference after Utah's narrow 22-21 loss to BYU. Harlan's comments, made immediately after the game, challenged the professionalism of the officials and the integrity of the Big 12, leading to a public reprimand. The Big 12 emphasized the importance of professionalism and warned Harlan of more severe penalties for future infractions. Harlan later acknowledged his inappropriate timing and expressed commitment to the Big 12.