SEC Suspends Referee Following Georgia-Auburn Game
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has taken action against veteran referee Ken Williamson by suspending him for the remainder of the season. This decision follows the controversial officiating in the Georgia vs. Auburn game held on October 11, 2025, where Georgia triumphed 20-10.
Background on the Suspension
Williamson, who served as the crew chief during the game, had previously indicated his plans to retire after the season. The SEC did not offer comments regarding the specifics of the personnel decision. According to a SEC spokesperson, the league “does not comment on personnel matters.”
Controversial Calls During the Game
The match featured two pivotal moments that fueled criticism of the officiating. During the first half, with Auburn leading 10-0, quarterback Jackson Arnold attempted to break the goal line on a third-and-goal play from the Georgia 1-yard line. Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson disrupted Arnold’s attempt, causing a fumble that was confirmed by replay officials, resulting in a turnover in favor of Georgia. This ruling allowed the Bulldogs to score a field goal just before halftime, narrowing Auburn’s lead to 10-3.
Auburn’s Reactions
Following this play, Auburn’s athletic director John Cohen and head coach Hugh Freeze confronted Williamson. Freeze expressed his disbelief about the call, stating, “I have no clue how that doesn’t break the plane.” Additionally, a missed targeting penalty involving Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee also drew scrutiny. Lee was later ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit after a review.
Key Moments in the Second Half
In the fourth quarter, as Georgia held a slim 13-10 lead, head coach Kirby Smart had a moment of contention with the officiating crew. He signaled for a timeout, but later argued that he only intended to alert the officials about Auburn players mimicking Georgia’s signals. The official halted the game clock, resetting it to 25 seconds without penalizing Georgia.
Opinions on the Suspension
Following the announcement of Williamson’s suspension, former NFL official Terry McAulay weighed in, stating that this decision could set a troubling precedent. He emphasized the difficulties officials face during moments of high tension and suggested that less severe penalties might be more appropriate than an indefinite suspension.
- Game Date: October 11, 2025
- Final Score: Georgia 20, Auburn 10
- Suspension Duration: Remainder of the season
- Controversial Calls: Fumble recovery, missed targeting penalty
This suspension follows scrutiny over officiating in high-stakes college football games and highlights the ongoing debate about accountability among referees in the SEC.
