SEC reprimands Kiffin for his comments

SEC reprimands Kiffin for his comments

February 5, 2009 4:52 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

SEC commissioner Mike Slive has issued a public reprimand to Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin for his public comments made earlier Thursday concerning Florida coach Urban Meyer.

"Coach Kiffin has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics," Slive said. "SEC Bylaw 10.5.1 clearly states that coaches and administrators shall refrain from directed public criticism of other member institutions, their staffs or players.

"The phone call to which Coach Kiffin referred to in his public comments is not a violation of SEC or NCAA rules. We expect our coaches to have an understanding and knowledge of conference and NCAA rules."

Kiffin accused Meyer of cheating because he said Meyer called receiver Nu'Keese Richardson during Richardson's visit to Tennessee. The only problem with that is calling a recruit during a visit is not a violation.

Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley was livid and demanded an apology for what he said was Kiffin's slander of Meyer.

Kiffin, traveling around the state Thursday to speak at different post-recruiting functions, did issue an apology after being reprimanded by the SEC that read: "At an energetic breakfast with some of our donors and alumni, I made a statement that was solely meant to excite the crowd. If I offended anyone at the University of Florida, including Mr. Foley and Urban Meyer, I sincerely apologize. That was not my intention."