The referees who officiated the recent match between BYU and Alabama have released a statement addressing Mark Pope’s behavior during the game. The statement comes after Pope, the BYU head coach, was seen arguing with the referees and displaying unsportsmanlike conduct.
According to the referees, Pope’s behavior was unacceptable and crossed a line. “We understand that emotions can run high during games, but Coach Pope’s actions were unprofessional and unacceptable,” the statement read. “We take pride in maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all players, coaches, and officials, and Coach Pope’s behavior fell short of those standards.”
The referees also noted that they had addressed the issue with Pope during the game, but his behavior continued to escalate. “We spoke with Coach Pope on multiple occasions during the game, warning him about his behavior and asking him to calm down,” the statement continued. “Unfortunately, he continued to disregard our warnings and persisted in his unacceptable behavior.”
The statement concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional environment in college sports. “We expect all coaches, players, and officials to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner, and we will continue to work towards maintaining a positive and respectful environment for all participants.”
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about coach behavior and sportsmanship in college athletics. While Pope has yet to publicly comment on the incident, the referees’ statement makes it clear that his behavior was unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
