GAINESVILLE, Fla.(AP) -- Urban Meyer of Florida became the first
coach to be disciplined under the Southeastern Conference's new
policy regarding criticizing officials.

The league fined Meyer $30,000 on Friday, two days after he said
referees missed a late hit against quarterback Tim Tebow in No.
1 Florida's 41-17 win against Georgia. Meyer sent video of the
play to the SEC office, but his mistake was telling reporters
refs missed the call.

Last week, the SEC changed its policy about coaches publicly
criticizing officials, making the punishment either a fine or a
suspension and doing away with reprimands. The change came after
Tennessee's Lane Kiffin, Mississippi State's Dan Mullen and
Arkansas' Bobby Petrino were reprimanded after they publicly
questioned officiating.

"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."

Meyer apologized following the fine.

"As I stated last week, I have great respect for commissioner
Mike Slive and the Southeastern Conference, and I respect this
decision," Meyer said in a statement. "There was no intent to
criticize an official after being asked about a situation that
occurred last Saturday, and I apologize for my remarks."