Utah AD Mark Harlan fined $40,000 by Big 12 for comments after BYU-Utah game

The Big 12 Conference fined Utah AD Mark Harlan $40,000 for his actions at the conclusion of the game against BYU and his comments following the game.

The BYU-Utah game seemed destined to end in a loss for the Cougars when BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff was tackled in his own end zone on fourth down with 1:30 left on the clock. That would have given Utah just enough time to take possession, kneel a few times, and secure the 22-21 victory.

Except the game didn’t end that way.

The referees called a controversial holding penalty on Utah cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn, who was covering BYU receiver Jojo Phillips on the play, allowing the Cougars more downs and ultimately the ability to win the game on a last-second field goal.

Utah fans cried foul, and after talking to the referees after the game, Harlan also decided to voice his frustrations about the game at the postgame conference.

“This game was absolutely stolen from us,” Harlan said. “We were excited about being in the Big 12, but tonight I am not. We won this game. Someone else stole it from us. Very disappointed. I will talk to the commissioner. This was not fair to our team. I’m disgusted by the professionalism of the officiating crew tonight.”

On Sunday, the Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark issued the $40,000 fine and reprimand from the conference.

"Mark's comments irresponsibly challenged the professionalism of our officials and the integrity of the Big 12 Conference," Yormark said. "There is a right way and a wrong way to voice concerns. Unfortunately, Mark chose the wrong way. Accordingly, this violation warrants a public reprimand and financial penalty. The Big 12 Conference prioritizes professionalism, integrity, and fairness, and will continue to do so."