Meyer's $30,000 fine: Was it justified, too harsh, or not enough?

The SEC is fined Florida coach Urban Meyer $30,000 for publicly criticizing officiating this week. Some will say it was too harsh. Others will say it wasn't enough. Meyer is the first SEC coach to receive a fine since the conference last week changed its penalty for publicly criticizing officials to include fines or suspensions. Meyer's fine is the second-highest in SEC history. The highest was $50,000 to Kentucky in October 2007 after fans stormed the football field following the Wildcats' upset of LSU. That was the third offense the school had received for game management, triggering the $50,000 penalty.
This is believed to be the first time an SEC coach has ever been fined for public comments. Former Mississippi State baseball coach Ron Polk was suspended, but not fined, for publicly criticizing an umpire in 2006.
"Coach Meyer has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics," SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said in a statement. "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 are not acceptable."
This is the first action taken by the SEC against Meyer in his five years as Florida's coach. The SEC was notified that Meyer, and not Florida, will pay the fine. The money goes to the SEC's post-graduate McWhorter Scholarship.

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