Less than a day after Mark Harlan criticized game officials following BYU 's 22-21 comeback win over Utah late Saturday night, the Big 12 responded by issuing a hefty fine on the Utes athletic director.
The league fined Harlan $40,000 and issued a public reprimand for his actions at the conclusion of the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
"Mark's comments irresponsibly challenged the professionalism of our officials and the integrity of the Big 12 Conference," Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said in a released statement.
"There is a right way and a wrong way to voice concerns. Unfortunately, Mark chose the wrong way. Accordingly, this violation warrants a public reprimand and financial penalty. The Big 12 Conference prioritizes professionalism, integrity, and fairness, and will continue to do so."
The Big 12 also warned that a repeat of such behavior from Harlan would result in a more serious penalty.
The university released a statement from Harlan following the announcement of the fine and reprimand.
"Last night following our game against BYU, I made clear my feelings related to the game officiating. However, I recognize that there are more appropriate times and avenues to express those concerns, and I accept the consequences of my decision," he said.
"My comments came after having just left our team locker room where our student-athletes were hurting and upset. The University of Utah is proud to be a member of the Big 12 Conference and we look forward to working with our peers to continue to enhance the league. BYU, Coach (Kalani) Sitake and their coaches and student-athletes are having a terrific season and we wish them the very best."
On BYU's final drive of the game, the Utes appeared to have gotten a stop when Jake Retzlaff was sacked at the Cougars 1 on fourth down with 1:30 to play, but a holding penalty on Utah's Zemaiah Vaughn negated the play and gave BYU a first down.
The Cougars drove 65 yards and won the game on a 44-yard Will Ferrin field goal with four seconds to play.
In a screenshot from ESPN's TV broadcast that has circulated on social media , Harlan could be seen on the field during the ensuing kickoff return as the play was going on, appearing to try and engage a referee.
Utah was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct on the return — the lead official announced the infraction was assessed to Utah's bench — though it was waived off and the game came to an end after the Utes failed to score on the play.
He could also be seen on television talking to an official after the game.
Harlan then made an impromptu appearance in Utah's postgame press conference area and addressed the assembled media.
"I've been an athletic director for 12 years. This game was absolutely stolen from us," Harlan told reporters. "We were excited about being in the Big 12, but tonight I am not."
He continued: "We won this game. Someone else stole it from us. Very disappointed. I will talk to the (Big 12 Conference) commissioner. This was not fair to our team. I'm disgusted by the professionalism of the officiating crew tonight. Thank you."
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) evades Utah Utes defensive end Van Fillinger (7) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes football head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts to a referee's call during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU defensive end Viliami Po'uha (45) and other Cougars celebrate after a field goal from place kicker Will Ferrin (44) gave BYU the lead at 22-21 during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) runs against the Brigham Young Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Keelan Marion (17) scores on a kickoff return at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches players at a time out at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes tight end Brant Kuithe (80) celebrates his touchdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes and Brigham Young Cougars tussle at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes wide receiver Dorian Singer (3) runs after a catch against Brigham Young Cougars safety Tanner Wall (28) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes tight end Brant Kuithe (80) runs after a catch at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) throws past Utah Utes defensive tackle Junior Tafuna (58) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) is surrounded by several Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes fans cheer at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) celebrate his kickoff return with Utah Utes wide receiver Munir McClain (4) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) is tackled by several Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) runs against Brigham Young Cougars safety Tanner Wall (28) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes fans cheer at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (27) runs for yardage against Utah Utes defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) throws past Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) runs against Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Viliami Po'uha (45) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake talks with Utah Utes defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake talk with Utah Utes cornerback Smith Snowden (2) after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes offensive lineman Solatoa Moea'i (62) and Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Noah Lugo (19) hug after game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) walk slowly off the field at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes cornerback Cameron Calhoun (4) intercepts the two point try at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander III (24) celebrates the Cougar victory over the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake and Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham hug after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham yells at the ref after the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars place kicker Will Ferrin (44) celebrates the game winning field goal at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. BYU won 22-21. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) prepares for the snap during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU cornerback Marque Collins (2) breaks up a pass intended for Utah Utes wide receiver Munir McClain (4) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) looks to pass the ball during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes cornerback Cameron Calhoun (4) runs the ball after intercepting it on a two-point conversion attempt from BYU during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) runs the ball during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back Pokaiaua Haunga (23) high-fives fans after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Fans high-five players after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back Sione I Moa (30) takes a selfie with fans after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU place kicker Will Ferrin (44) kisses his wife, Courtney Ferrin, after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU wide receiver Keelan Marion (17) shoves Utah Utes cornerback Elijah Davis (9) after the two got into it briefly during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) runs the ball during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU cornerback Therrian Alexander III (24) gestures to the crowd during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Fans hold signs during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) celebrates after a play during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU defensive end Isaiah Bagnah (13) celebrates after a play during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU and Utah Utes players prepare to collide after a snap during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Fans from both the Utah Utes and BYU commemorate the lives of Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) recovers his fumble as he's downed by Utah Utes safety Alaka'i Gilman (11) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) visits with Utah Utes wide receiver Diezel Kamoku (16) after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) spins out of contact from BYU safety Tommy Prassas (22) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake calls out during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the Brigham Young University Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) hugs safety Raider Damuni (3) after the Brigham Young University Cougars defeated the University of Utah Utes 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City early on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) dives for a touchdown against BYU Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (10) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn (5) upends BYU Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) and the Utes hold on the fourth down play at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) is face masked by Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
A Utah Utes fan holds a sign during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) celebrates after the Cougars intercepted a pass intended for a Utah Utes receiver during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes tight end Brant Kuithe (80) makes a touchdown reception while guarded by BYU safety Crew Wakley (7) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) looks to pass the ball during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake reacts after a play during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) reacts after a flag was called during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes students cheer after a play during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) runs the ball during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake and Utah Utes football head coach Kyle Whittingham talk before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes football head coach Kyle Whittingham reacts to a referee's call during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU running back LJ Martin (27) evades Utah Utes defensive end Van Fillinger (7) during a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Isaac Nielsen, of Eagle Mountain, poses with a sign during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes players huddle during pregame at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Fans greet Utah Utes quarterback Isaac Wilson (11) and the Utah Utes upon arrival for the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes arrive for the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Fans shoot photos as they greet the Utah Utes players upon arrival for the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
A BYU fan holds up a scarff as the Cougars make their entrance during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU cornerback Therrian Alexander III (24) signs a football for a young fan as the Cougars make their entrance during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU players make their entrance during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
A BYU fan drives along University Boulevard during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU football head coach Kalani Sitake waves to fans as the Cougars make their entrance during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU tight end Nason Coleman (49) warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Gerry Bohanon (3) warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
BYU cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford, right, talks with former Utah Utes football head coach Ron McBride during warmups before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Brandon Rose (8) warms up during pregame at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU defensive tackle John Taumoepeau (55) stretches as he warms up before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Fans cheer during pregame at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Utah Utes quarterback Isaac Wilson (11) warms up during pregame at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
Ben Moa, of Ogden, left, hugs Jerry Togiai, of Rigby, Idaho, during pregame festivities before a game between the University of Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars held at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
