Officiating

The SEC reprimanded Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino for criticizing the officials following his team's loss to Florida. Petrino was rebuked for these comments:

1) "It's unfortunate that in the fourth quarter there's probably three plays that the officials made the difference in the game."

2) "When they hit you when you're on the white, it's supposed to be a late hit, a 15-yard penalty. Unfortunately, in Florida, they don't call it that way."

I am disgusted that the SEC reprimanded Petrino. Obviously, his comments seem to violate SEC Bylaw 10.5.4, which prohibits coaches and players from criticizing officials. However, I think Petrino's comments were mild. Additionally, I think officials should be criticized when warranted, and I think head coaches should be allowed to speak their mind about officials without penalty. If the officials make a mistake, then coaches should be able to say so. If the officials deserve criticism, then coaches should be able to criticize them. I do not understand the conference's protection of officials to the point of censorship. The officials are not that special. They are not untouchable or infallible: They are just officials.