Kentucky coach Mark Pope has been fined $25,000 by the Southeastern Conference for post-game comments following the Wildcats' 75-74 loss to Auburn. The SEC cited violations of sportsmanship rules after Pope criticized officiating during his postgame press conference.

Pope's comments came after Auburn's Elyjah Freeman scored the winning basket with 1.1 seconds remaining. The decisive play followed a controversial offensive foul call against Kentucky's Collin Chandler with under 14 seconds left. Video showed Pope telling Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart that he would 'screw' the SEC if they tried to fine him for not criticizing how officials 'cheated' his team.

The fine adds to Kentucky's mounting troubles as the Wildcats have lost three consecutive games and four of their last seven. The losses come despite the program reportedly spending more than $20 million on its current roster. Pope emphasized after the game that his team refuses to make excuses or give away their power, regardless of controversial calls or mounting pressure with Selection Sunday approaching.