USC coach Lane Kiffin fined $10,000 for critical comments

LOS ANGELES — Southern Cal football coach Lane Kiffin was reprimanded and fined $10,000 for critical comments about officiating during a triple-overtime loss to Stanford, the Pacific 12 conference announced Monday night.

Kiffin criticized game officials after the Cardinal's 56-48 victory, and again on Sunday, saying they made a ruling that denied the Trojans an opportunity to attempt a potential game-winning field goal at the end of regulation. He also took issue with the spot of the ball after a Stanford penalty in the second overtime.

"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," Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement. "The Conference expects each Pac-12 coach to adhere to our standards of conduct and to conduct himself or herself in a manner which will reflect credit on the institution and the Conference."

Kiffin did not apologize in a statement following the announcement of the reprimand and fine.

"After numerous conversations with the conference office, we have agreed to disagree," Kiffin said. "As I have been saying the past two days, we have moved on from last week's game and we are preparing for a very challenging conference game this Friday at Colorado."

Kiffin, however, seemed to be inviting disciplinary action with his comments during the weekend.

Kiffin started the pot boiling Saturday night and then continued Sunday, saying that he had spoken with an unidentified Pac-12 official by phone from the locker room and told the person, "I was basically lied to."

The final play of regulation began with nine seconds left. Receiver Robert Woods caught a screen pass and then ran across the field toward the Stanford sideline.

Kiffin said he had been calling for a timeout, and that during the replay review, he told the side judge to tell the referee so the Trojans would get a final play if one second remained.

"He went over there and then came back to me and said he communicated with him, and that if (Woods') knee was down with a second left we'd get another play," Kiffin said Sunday. "And unfortunately now (I find out) that never happened."

Referee Mike Batlan has said that time had expired.

The spot in question happened after a holding penalty against Stanford, Kiffin joking Sunday that his 2-year-old son had figured out the correct yardage while the officials apparently could not.

© 2011 govolsxtra.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  • Discuss
  • Print

Related Topics

Comments » 61

Weatherman writes:

Waaaaa!

ghost_of_which_doctor (Inactive) writes:

Rut roh!!!

Anyone out there want to buy a couple of pairs of Layla's used shoes...? Pumps no less...

Come on...I know there are a couple of them types amoungst us

Volunatic writes:

The other Lane Kiffin article on GVX praises his maturity.

ghost_of_which_doctor (Inactive) writes:

in response to ghost_of_which_doctor:

Rut roh!!!

Anyone out there want to buy a couple of pairs of Layla's used shoes...? Pumps no less...

Come on...I know there are a couple of them types amoungst us

Ok, I got some black Stacey Adams here with the three inch spike.

Do I hear $5000...?

CoverOrange writes:

Refs credibility need to be questioned sometimes. The king sometimes has no clothes.

RomanRoomRedux (Inactive) writes:

At least he doesn't stand around on the sidelines with his hands in the pockets of his orange pants, clueless, like Dooley does. Plus, unlike Dooley, he can coach.

IdahoVol writes:

So glad he's gone. Didn't like him when he was here and still don't.
Dooley will be fine.

cincivol writes:

I don't understand you no knowledge football people. I won't call you UT fans. Kiffin is part of the reason we are here. If he was here we would be in trouble cause he is too much of a slime-ball.

I HAVE A QUESTION FOR ALL THE COMPLAINERS.......NAME ME ONE TEAM AT ANY LEVEL (PEEWEE TO PRO) THAT CAN LOSE ITS TOP 4 PLAYERS AND NOW THE 5TH IN BREWER AND BE ANY GOOD.

As you think on that I want you to take the top four regardless of position from any team. Our top 4 also seem to be NFL bound.

PLEASE STOP THE NON-SENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ghost_of_which_doctor (Inactive) writes:

in response to RomanRoomRedux:

At least he doesn't stand around on the sidelines with his hands in the pockets of his orange pants, clueless, like Dooley does. Plus, unlike Dooley, he can coach.

Shout out to my good buddy Romo! Where ya been friendo?

When are you scheduled for release from that Turkish prison?

We still believe in your innocence.

KenRan (Inactive) writes:

At some point, Lane's attitude and off field antics are going to be his downfall. Pat Haden didn't hire him and I don't believe Lane can afford to create many negative headlines for Haden to be reading.
I wonder if Monte ever whupped that boy's behind when he was growing up? Doesn't look like it.

tennrich1 writes:

in response to ghost_of_which_doctor:

Shout out to my good buddy Romo! Where ya been friendo?

When are you scheduled for release from that Turkish prison?

We still believe in your innocence.

To quote my good friend and mentor Ronald Reagan...."Well, there you go again"....DON'T RESPOND TO A TRAP LIKE THAT!!!!

VOODOOley-2011 (Inactive) writes:

That's only 10 days of his daily Cocaine habit worth.

Stanman08 writes:

in response to cincivol:

I don't understand you no knowledge football people. I won't call you UT fans. Kiffin is part of the reason we are here. If he was here we would be in trouble cause he is too much of a slime-ball.

I HAVE A QUESTION FOR ALL THE COMPLAINERS.......NAME ME ONE TEAM AT ANY LEVEL (PEEWEE TO PRO) THAT CAN LOSE ITS TOP 4 PLAYERS AND NOW THE 5TH IN BREWER AND BE ANY GOOD.

As you think on that I want you to take the top four regardless of position from any team. Our top 4 also seem to be NFL bound.

PLEASE STOP THE NON-SENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOW ABOUT ALABAMA, LSU, THE SOONERS, ETC.... THEIR THIRD STRINGERS ARE COACHED BETTER.

jcherrie#219531 writes:

in response to Volunatic:

The other Lane Kiffin article on GVX praises his maturity.

They were extremely mature critical comments.

NeylandWest writes:

in response to Stanman08:

HOW ABOUT ALABAMA, LSU, THE SOONERS, ETC.... THEIR THIRD STRINGERS ARE COACHED BETTER.

At least they have 3rd stringers. Ours are walk-on's. We have about as much depth as a kiddie pool.

SummittsCourt writes:

in response to cincivol:

I don't understand you no knowledge football people. I won't call you UT fans. Kiffin is part of the reason we are here. If he was here we would be in trouble cause he is too much of a slime-ball.

I HAVE A QUESTION FOR ALL THE COMPLAINERS.......NAME ME ONE TEAM AT ANY LEVEL (PEEWEE TO PRO) THAT CAN LOSE ITS TOP 4 PLAYERS AND NOW THE 5TH IN BREWER AND BE ANY GOOD.

As you think on that I want you to take the top four regardless of position from any team. Our top 4 also seem to be NFL bound.

PLEASE STOP THE NON-SENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good to see I am not the only one tired of the constant complaining with every article.

Some can't see past the fact that we are 3-5 but we have lost to better teams including two teams that are basically the #1 and #1a teams in the country. Florida, Georgia and SC are better as well, more talented and have senior & junior leadership. Plus they have not been hit with the injury bug the way UT has been either. SC lost it's best player, but that's about it.

16 freshman starters this year and last! No junior and senior leadership because the few we have haven't been playing much and are not being leaders.

Lack of depth and inexperience is wrecking havoc on our young team, but there are better days ahead. Dooley has taken over a complete mess and has kept us at least competitive to a point. We beat the teams we are supposed to beat. We had 2 wins taken away last year don't forget.

This team could easily go into the tank and quit but they haven't. Why? Coack Derek Dooley and his staff. This is not, nor will it ever be an easy, overnight fix. There isn't a coaching staff in the country who could have come in here and took over 3 weeks before signing day and done the job coach Dooley has done. He has gotten way more out of his players than most would.

It's time to stop the bashing and get to supporting because you will look really foolish in a couple of years when he has this team back in the SEC race.

SummittsCourt writes:

Weasel boy cries foul! He would know a foul when he sees it. He continues to show himself as a real bottom side. I saw his little sideline rant and he looked silly.

For once in your life, take it like a man you punk. Glad you are gone from here even though KNS still has love for you.

underthehill writes:

Not an issue for TN..the only question I would ask is "was he right about officiating".. that is the reason plays are reviewed...

allvols4life writes:

in response to RomanRoomRedux:

At least he doesn't stand around on the sidelines with his hands in the pockets of his orange pants, clueless, like Dooley does. Plus, unlike Dooley, he can coach.

And Dooley with his hands in his orange pants is better than Fulmer clapping after every screw up? I loved Fulmer, but come on. Really?

CarlChilders writes:

This story hits 18 minutes after the Lane worship article. Wonder if the previous article will get pulled?

allvols4life writes:

in response to allvols4life:

And Dooley with his hands in his orange pants is better than Fulmer clapping after every screw up? I loved Fulmer, but come on. Really?

Sorry...should have said worse than Fulmer clapping after every screw up.

TommyJack writes:

I saw the game. I think his team DID get hosed.

arkyvol writes:

kiffen's leaving u.t. was no more disloyal than bear bryant leaving a & m for bama, or bowden wyatt leaving arkansas for u.t. (in a cadillac the fans had just given him, no less). what i saw in the short time he was here was a coach savvy enough to hire the best assistants he could get, and to put his best efforts into recruiting. like him or hate him, my prediction is that he will flourish at socal. i felt a helluva lot of confidence in the vol's prospects while he was at the helm. that's passed.

ghost_of_which_doctor (Inactive) writes:

in response to TommyJack:

I saw the game. I think his team DID get hosed.

Yeah, I saw it too. They got hosed...big time!

Navaloranges writes:

I wish MORE coaches would speak out when they are obviously robbed by an officiating crew. These refs can make or break a game, and sometimes it's obvious that they influence a play. BUT, it gets ignored because...? Refs are just untouchable?

It all goes along with pass interference not being reviewable. A pass interference call, or non-call, can change the whole landscape of a game. It NOT being reviewable gives the officiating crew the right to PURPOSFULLY change the outcome of a game, if they so choose. A terrible flaw in the system that stinks of game fixing, IMO. The booth referee SHOULD be able to overturn, or call pass interference when it's a questionable call. A boatload of past games would have a different outcome if they didn't have the ridiculous non-review rule in place. It needs to change.

Navaloranges writes:

in response to TommyJack:

I saw the game. I think his team DID get hosed.

Absolutely. Almost looked intentional. Actually, not almost.

givehim6 writes:

Kiff Baby: But daddy the refs arn't playing far, they are not doing what I want them to do! Monty: Son it is there job to make sure we all play by the rules. Kiff Baby: Rules, rules! What rules, this is my game, I make up the rules! Monty: Son, this is not a game, it is life. Remember that is what the Doctors told you? Kiff Baby: Those doctors are crazy, now the refs are too, they were crazy in the SEC now they are here too. Now they want my money! Monty: Son there is a ice cream sandwich in my freezer go get it, set down on my big chair and eat it, take a nap. You will fill better. Kiff Baby: Thanks daddy, you always know what to say. Monty: ( hu ) It is my job boy.

PHAT_VOL writes:

in response to NeylandWest:

At least they have 3rd stringers. Ours are walk-on's. We have about as much depth as a kiddie pool.

Agree, I still say we have the number one team in NCAA football. Number one J.V. team that is. Now, how did we get that way?

tennisvol writes:

Good!

Orange_Pants_Buy_One_Get_One_Free writes:

in response to givehim6:

Kiff Baby: But daddy the refs arn't playing far, they are not doing what I want them to do! Monty: Son it is there job to make sure we all play by the rules. Kiff Baby: Rules, rules! What rules, this is my game, I make up the rules! Monty: Son, this is not a game, it is life. Remember that is what the Doctors told you? Kiff Baby: Those doctors are crazy, now the refs are too, they were crazy in the SEC now they are here too. Now they want my money! Monty: Son there is a ice cream sandwich in my freezer go get it, set down on my big chair and eat it, take a nap. You will fill better. Kiff Baby: Thanks daddy, you always know what to say. Monty: ( hu ) It is my job boy.

Fooley: what do you mean it was fourth down and we should have punted?
Fooley: what do you mean we can't have twelve players on the field?

62vol writes:

in response to RomanRoomRedux:

At least he doesn't stand around on the sidelines with his hands in the pockets of his orange pants, clueless, like Dooley does. Plus, unlike Dooley, he can coach.

You must be going for a beer when the camera is on him jawing at the refs as it is in each and every game. No, he is doen't rant or throw has visor or eat grass or violate SEC rules regarding officiating. There is a process for coaches to use in airing complaints. Film is sent every week to support such claims. The news media is not where the conplaints are lodged.
Saban and Manning say Dooley is a good coach.

cincivol writes:

in response to NeylandWest:

At least they have 3rd stringers. Ours are walk-on's. We have about as much depth as a kiddie pool.

Here you go in order of rank.

1. LSU minus Jefferson, Lee, Ware, and Randle
2. ALA minus Richardson, Lacy, Maze, and McCarron
3. OKSt. minus Blackmon, Weeden, Randle, and Brown
4. Stanford minus Luck, Taylor, Whalen, and Fleener
5. Boise minus Moore, Martin, Gavins, and Shoemaker
6. OK minus Jones, Broyles, Whaley, and Jefferson

I will stop there. I dont know what they would be but ifany of those teams lost those guys they would be in a world of hurt.

ETfromBirth writes:

And he could have changed the world in that one second.

BodeaneVol writes:

Less than 3 years ago, lil-Lane was your savior and I was getting booted for calling him lil-Lane.

How times have changed!

OrangePride writes:

in response to Navaloranges:

Absolutely. Almost looked intentional. Actually, not almost.

Oh, no doubt about it, the officiating crew gave him and USC the works. But keep giving the officials public black eyes and see if you begin getting more breaks in the future. Uhhhhh....NOT. Even though he is probably right, not necessarily the "smart" way to handle it. But that's the Kiffsniffer.....always shooting from the lip. Nobody here feels too sorry for him.

Theo writes:

in response to SummittsCourt:

Good to see I am not the only one tired of the constant complaining with every article.

Some can't see past the fact that we are 3-5 but we have lost to better teams including two teams that are basically the #1 and #1a teams in the country. Florida, Georgia and SC are better as well, more talented and have senior & junior leadership. Plus they have not been hit with the injury bug the way UT has been either. SC lost it's best player, but that's about it.

16 freshman starters this year and last! No junior and senior leadership because the few we have haven't been playing much and are not being leaders.

Lack of depth and inexperience is wrecking havoc on our young team, but there are better days ahead. Dooley has taken over a complete mess and has kept us at least competitive to a point. We beat the teams we are supposed to beat. We had 2 wins taken away last year don't forget.

This team could easily go into the tank and quit but they haven't. Why? Coack Derek Dooley and his staff. This is not, nor will it ever be an easy, overnight fix. There isn't a coaching staff in the country who could have come in here and took over 3 weeks before signing day and done the job coach Dooley has done. He has gotten way more out of his players than most would.

It's time to stop the bashing and get to supporting because you will look really foolish in a couple of years when he has this team back in the SEC race.

Excellent post, unfortunately the Dooley haters are too stupid to see your points. They somehow see supporting Coach Dooley and a young, young team as being critical of Fulmer. I am getting sick of the folks on here dogging Dooley and the team and then saying they are UT fans - we are 1.5 years into probably a 5 year rebuilding process.

ProfessionalHandicapper writes:

Kiffin was right. The replay showed 1 second clearly and it also showed Kiffin calling timeout. Kiffin beat N dame then took number 4 Stanford into triple overtime all with a probation team. Kiffin came to UT to win and never once made excuses. Since Kiffin left Dooley has watched tons of talent walk away like lamison, Bryce Brown, Aaron Douglas, OKU, the 4 Star Safety he recruited, Stephens, and several others. That fine is small change to a 4 million a year coach. USC was cheated in that loss. I bet Kiffin is glad he walked from the sinking Titanic known as UT football to a Top program like USC. He is doing a great job at playcalling and recruiting and the USC defense is starting to learn the complicated Tampa 2 of Monty's. That is a very good coaching staff.

ghost_of_which_doctor (Inactive) writes:

in response to ProfessionalHandicapper:

Kiffin was right. The replay showed 1 second clearly and it also showed Kiffin calling timeout. Kiffin beat N dame then took number 4 Stanford into triple overtime all with a probation team. Kiffin came to UT to win and never once made excuses. Since Kiffin left Dooley has watched tons of talent walk away like lamison, Bryce Brown, Aaron Douglas, OKU, the 4 Star Safety he recruited, Stephens, and several others. That fine is small change to a 4 million a year coach. USC was cheated in that loss. I bet Kiffin is glad he walked from the sinking Titanic known as UT football to a Top program like USC. He is doing a great job at playcalling and recruiting and the USC defense is starting to learn the complicated Tampa 2 of Monty's. That is a very good coaching staff.

Dude...Bryce Brown got kicked off the Kansas State team. He pumping gas these days. A man in your profession should know these thangs...

jjsteel writes:

in response to SummittsCourt:

Good to see I am not the only one tired of the constant complaining with every article.

Some can't see past the fact that we are 3-5 but we have lost to better teams including two teams that are basically the #1 and #1a teams in the country. Florida, Georgia and SC are better as well, more talented and have senior & junior leadership. Plus they have not been hit with the injury bug the way UT has been either. SC lost it's best player, but that's about it.

16 freshman starters this year and last! No junior and senior leadership because the few we have haven't been playing much and are not being leaders.

Lack of depth and inexperience is wrecking havoc on our young team, but there are better days ahead. Dooley has taken over a complete mess and has kept us at least competitive to a point. We beat the teams we are supposed to beat. We had 2 wins taken away last year don't forget.

This team could easily go into the tank and quit but they haven't. Why? Coack Derek Dooley and his staff. This is not, nor will it ever be an easy, overnight fix. There isn't a coaching staff in the country who could have come in here and took over 3 weeks before signing day and done the job coach Dooley has done. He has gotten way more out of his players than most would.

It's time to stop the bashing and get to supporting because you will look really foolish in a couple of years when he has this team back in the SEC race.

AMEN!

spvol writes:

I'm surprised he didn't throw Monty under the bus for giving up 56 points.

ACWLY writes:

What a sissy crybaby, kiffin is NOTHING!!

ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:

Can't stand the lying POS, but he does have a legitimate argument.

I'm glad he got screwed out of a win because it couldn't have happen to a nicer guy..LOL!!

He never saw a rule that he liked.

Smokey says he needs to stay on the West Coast and out of the state of Tennessee..

Pompey writes:

in response to Volunatic:

The other Lane Kiffin article on GVX praises his maturity.

.....this guy will always be on the wrong side of the law.....

Pompey writes:

in response to ghost_of_which_doctor:

Shout out to my good buddy Romo! Where ya been friendo?

When are you scheduled for release from that Turkish prison?

We still believe in your innocence.

.....Lane Kiffin sounds almost as sissy as Layla_K.....almost...!

halloffamebowler writes:

in response to PHAT_VOL:

Agree, I still say we have the number one team in NCAA football. Number one J.V. team that is. Now, how did we get that way?

What do you expect when the best darn coach in the last 50 years gets fired?

vols2#227315 writes:

Shame they could not fine the officials sometimes, they answer to nobody.

orangecountyvols writes:

Vols,

What the surfer dude really should be whining about was his running back coughing up the ball into the end zone in the 3rd o.t.

Pass the kleenix

VolMan126 writes:

in response to arkyvol:

kiffen's leaving u.t. was no more disloyal than bear bryant leaving a & m for bama, or bowden wyatt leaving arkansas for u.t. (in a cadillac the fans had just given him, no less). what i saw in the short time he was here was a coach savvy enough to hire the best assistants he could get, and to put his best efforts into recruiting. like him or hate him, my prediction is that he will flourish at socal. i felt a helluva lot of confidence in the vol's prospects while he was at the helm. that's passed.

And so did they Brown...TURD...Richardson...TURD...Jackson....TURD...That clown starts his 10 scholly reduction this season and gets that 3 seasons in a row! Just because he was to stupid to shut up doent show he is very good. If he stayed at UT we would be 30 down due to NCAA violations. Lets see what he does in two years with that team after 2 bad seasons of recruiting and thats what he is gonna have. He will have a team with a depth problem...and less skill players...sounds like CDD problem now. Thank GOD he is gone. The hardest thing to take was walking thru the NT sports complex and seeing all the USC stuff and the TN stuff removed. Highlights of Reggie Bush at TN...turns my guts. To he77 with Kiffin and anyone who likes him! GO VOLS!

govols1234567 writes:

in response to cincivol:

I don't understand you no knowledge football people. I won't call you UT fans. Kiffin is part of the reason we are here. If he was here we would be in trouble cause he is too much of a slime-ball.

I HAVE A QUESTION FOR ALL THE COMPLAINERS.......NAME ME ONE TEAM AT ANY LEVEL (PEEWEE TO PRO) THAT CAN LOSE ITS TOP 4 PLAYERS AND NOW THE 5TH IN BREWER AND BE ANY GOOD.

As you think on that I want you to take the top four regardless of position from any team. Our top 4 also seem to be NFL bound.

PLEASE STOP THE NON-SENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We still have Simms at QB, who was supposed to be the starter in the first place. Rivera and Rogers (not Zack) to help without hunter. Redshirt Junior and highly recruited Rod Wilks filling in for brewer. As for the other 2, I really dont have an excuse. But teams battle injuries every year. Kiffin had plenty at Tennessee to, and he did fine. Enough excuses. Please.

VolMan126 writes:

in response to govols1234567:

We still have Simms at QB, who was supposed to be the starter in the first place. Rivera and Rogers (not Zack) to help without hunter. Redshirt Junior and highly recruited Rod Wilks filling in for brewer. As for the other 2, I really dont have an excuse. But teams battle injuries every year. Kiffin had plenty at Tennessee to, and he did fine. Enough excuses. Please.

You are not very smart...Just because they are on the roster doesnt make them able to come in a play with no drop off. We are not at that point yet. You said Kiffin battled injuries...who? He was 1 win better that CDD was last year and we got hammered in the Bowl game and didnt look good doing it. I have asked this in other post...name a time we had this many injuries to skill players in a single season? You cant...dont waste you time trying because it has not happened in the modern era of Tennessee Football. In years past we had running backs and a Qb or 2 get hurt but we always had upperclassmen around them to carry the load and help us thru. We do not have that now and will not for atleast 2 years. That not an excuse its a fact! The bottom line is this...your an idiot and we are younger than I can ever remember a Tennessee team being in my life time. I have seen every game in KNoxville for the last 27 years and most of the road games and cant remember it being this bad. In 1988 we had good players but had bad coaching and some bad luck but had upperclassmen on that team. Go ahead fire away GENIUS!! GO VOLS!

Share your thoughts

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.

Comments can be shared on Facebook and Yahoo!. Add both options by connecting your profiles.

Features