AUBURN — Kentucky's Mark Pope was fined for criticizing the SEC during a CBS game loss

Pope took issue with Kentucky's Colin Chandler's foul that led to Auburn's victory.

The SEC fined Kentucky coach Mark Pope for criticizing officials after a loss to Auburn

Pope fouls Collins.Chandler from KentuckyAs a result, Auburn won.

The SEC issued an official reprimand and fined Kentucky coach Mark Pope $25,000 for comments about officials following Kentucky's Feb. 21 loss to Auburn.Reporters attending Pope's press conference recorded a conversation between Pope and Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart after Pope left the podium.

Pope appeared to call a late offensive foul on Kentucky's Colin Chandler, giving Auburn the ball with 14 seconds left.Auburn forward Elijah Freeman then scored a last-second field goal to give Auburn a 75-74 victory.

"Mitch, if these MFs try to fine me, screw them," Pope told Barnhart."I didn't say a word about how they cheated us."

Pope took questions about the offense during his press conference and gave a more diplomatic answer.

"Well, we're not allowed to talk about the players," Pope said."But the guys saw it. I think, sometimes, it's personal. I can't talk about the players. I can't talk about the players. It's sad - it's sad. We didn't lose the game. We control the game. We'll find a way to win."

Auburn's loss was Kentucky's third in a row.Two of the losses during that stretch have come against ranked opponents.With just two weeks left in the SEC Tournament, the Wildcats sit sixth in the SEC standings with an 8-6 conference record.

Pope's team returns to the court Tuesday night against South Carolina.