Veteran Southeastern Conference referee Ken Williamson has been suspended for the remainder of the season following his crew’s controversial performance in Georgia’s 20-10 victory over Auburn on October 11, sources have confirmed. The suspension effectively ends the career of Williamson, who had previously informed the SEC of his intent to retire after this season.
When reached for comment, the SEC stated it does not discuss personnel matters. Williamson did not respond to inquiries.
The officiating in the game, played at Jordan-Hare Stadium, drew intense scrutiny for several key decisions. One of the most debated plays occurred late in the first half with Auburn leading 10-0. On a third-and-goal quarterback sneak, Jackson Arnold appeared to extend the ball over the goal line, but Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson dislodged it. The on-field ruling of a fumble, recovered by the Bulldogs, was upheld after a lengthy video review.
The decision prompted Auburn coach Hugh Freeze and athletic director John Cohen to confront Williamson as he left the field for halftime. “I have no clue how that doesn’t break the plane,” Freeze told a sideline reporter.
Williamson’s crew also missed a targeting penalty against Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee late in the first half. A review initiated by the replay official resulted in Lee’s ejection for a helmet-to-helmet hit.
Later in the game, with Georgia leading 13-10, Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart was granted a stoppage of play without being charged a timeout. Smart successfully argued he was gesturing to officials to flag Auburn for clapping to mimic Georgia’s snap count, which is a penalty. After a brief discussion, the play clock was reset.
“I think this does set a very dangerous precedent,” said Terry McAulay, a former NFL official and current rules analyst for NBC Sports. “It’s basically succumbing to the masses who want every official’s head on a post after a difficult loss where there were maybe some controversial calls.”
McAulay added that while officials are held accountable through postseason assignment opportunities and contract renewals, a season-long suspension was excessive. “If they felt this rose to the level of a required punishment, there are certainly lesser punishments that may have been more appropriate than to basically end somebody’s career.”
The suspension was first reported by Yellowhammer News.
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