USC head football coach Lane Kiffin has been reprimanded and fined $10,000 by the Pac-12 for his comments on the officiating following last Saturday's three-overtime loss to Stanford
"The Pac-12 has specific rules that prohibit our coaches from making public comments about officiating, and this prohibition specifically includes comments that create doubts about the credibility of the conference's officiating program," said Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott.
Kiffin was upset at officials after they ruled wide receiver Robert Woods used up the remaining time in regulation trying to get out of bounds. Replay showed Woods landed inbounds with one second remaining, and the Trojans had a timeout to spare, which would have given them an opportunity for a game-winning field goal attempt.
"I'm extremely disappointed in the officials," Kiffin said during the post- game press conference, before explaining the end of regulation situation.
He said he was told by an unidentified official that if replay showed time remained when Woods was down in bounds, USC would be granted a timeout.
"And they come back over and completely went against it," Kiffin said.
The Pac-12 also announced USC junior safety T.J. McDonald will be suspended for the first half of Friday's game against Colorado for his hit on a defenseless opponent during Saturday's tilt.
"Mr. McDonald had been previously warned about illegal hits above the shoulders on defenseless opponents. In order to protect our student-athletes, it is imperative that we enforce these penalties for the safety of the game," Scott said.
