Mountain West reprimands Utah coach for ripping refs

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SALT LAKE CITY -- The Mountain West Conference reprimanded Utah coach Kyle Whittingham on Wednesday for comments he made about Atlantic Coast Conference officials in Saturday's loss at North Carolina.

The Utes were penalized 12 times for 101 yards, including a roughing-the-passer call that nullified an interception return for a touchdown. Whittingham was still angry about the officiating Tuesday during the MWC conference call.

"We've been very good penalty-wise up until this game," Whittingham said. "All I can say is I'm quite thankful we don't have to play a game with an ACC refereeing crew again this year. That was miserable and I'll leave it at that."

Whittingham also noted the Utes didn't help themselves with five turnovers and by allowing a kickoff return for a score.

Although Whittingham's comments were directed at the ACC crew, Mountain West Commissioner Craig Thompson said they violated MWC sportsmanship standards.

Whittingham issued a statement after the reprimand was announced.

"My comment regarding ACC officials was unfortunate and poor judgment on my part. You can't beat a good team when you commit five turnovers," Whittingham said.

Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press

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