Utah AD Mark Harlan Fined $40K by Big 12 After Saying Refs 'Stole' Game in BYU Loss

The Big 12 fined Utah Utes athletic director Mark Harlan $40,000 and issued a public reprimand following Harlan's disparaging comments about the officials and the Big 12 after Utah's 22-21 loss to the BYU Cougars, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Following the loss, after Utah had led for most of the game, Harlan was seen verbally berating the officials.

"This game was absolutely stolen from us," Harlan said after the game, according ESPN's Kyle Bonagura. "We were excited about being in the Big 12, but tonight I am not. We won this game. Someone else stole it from us. Very disappointed."

Despite complaints by Utah, both teams received 10 penalties during Saturday nights game.

"I will talk to the commissioner," Harlan continued to tell reporters. "This was not fair to our team. I'm disgusted by the professionalism of the officiating crew tonight."

The controversy erupted after a dramatic ending. The Utes seemed to have secured the upset with a fourth-down sack of BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff at their own 1-yard line with just 1:29 remaining. However, a defensive holding penalty was called, giving BYU a fresh set of downs. The Cougars then capitalized on the opportunity, driving down the field to kick the game-winning field goal in the final seconds.

Utah fell to 4-5 on the season, while BYU extended their perfect record to 9-0.