BREAKING: SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey Demotes Referee Aaron Mariner Over ‘Avoidable Errors’; Issues Stern Warning to Officials Ahead of 2025–26 Season
In a rare and dramatic move, Southeastern Conference (SEC) Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Monday the demotion of veteran referee Aaron Mariner, citing a series of “avoidable errors” that have, in the words of the commissioner, “brought the organization into disrepute.”
The decision comes just weeks before the kickoff of the 2025–26 college basketball season and follows a comprehensive review of officiating standards across the conference. In a strongly worded statement released from the SEC offices in Birmingham, Alabama, Sankey underscored the league’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the game.
“After an internal review and consultation with our officiating leadership, we have concluded that Aaron Mariner’s performance has not met the expectations required to officiate at the SEC level,” Sankey said. “There have been too many avoidable errors in critical moments — errors that have not only impacted games but have also damaged the credibility of our officiating program. This demotion is a necessary step to preserve the standards we owe to our athletes, coaches, and fans.”
Kentucky Loss a Key Flashpoint
Though Sankey did not reference specific games by name, Mariner’s most controversial outing came during Kentucky’s 82–69 loss to Alabama in January, a game that drew widespread criticism from analysts, coaches, and fans for blatantly inconsistent officiating.
That game featured a flurry of questionable foul calls, missed violations, and an overall lack of control that visibly frustrated both benches. Wildcats head coach Mark Pope stopped short of directly criticizing the officials in his postgame remarks but hinted at the frustration:
“We can control what we can control,” Pope said at the time. “But when the rhythm of the game is taken out of our hands, it becomes very difficult to compete at the level we’re capable of.”
Since then, mounting pressure from media outlets, coaching staffs, and school athletic directors prompted an internal investigation by the SEC’s officiating department. Mariner, who has officiated in the SEC for over a decade, was reportedly cited for multiple lapses in judgment and positioning over the course of the 2024–25 season.
Demotion, Not Dismissal — For Now
The SEC clarified that Mariner has not been fired but reassigned to lower-profile games outside of major conference matchups, essentially removing him from the spotlight and elite-level SEC competition. He will reportedly officiate select non-conference games and contribute to referee development programs — a move that sources within the league say is designed as both a disciplinary and rehabilitative measure.
However, the message is clear: the SEC is no longer tolerating inconsistent officiating at the highest level of collegiate athletics.
Commissioner’s Warning to Officials
Alongside the demotion, Commissioner Sankey delivered a stark warning to the entire SEC officiating pool ahead of the 2025–26 season. During a closed-door meeting last week with lead referees and officials’ supervisors, Sankey emphasized that accountability would be a non-negotiable pillar moving forward.
“We owe it to the student-athletes and to the integrity of competition to demand excellence — not just from coaches and players, but from our officials as well,” Sankey said. “Those who fail to meet the standard will be held accountable. There will be no exceptions.”
The SEC is also rolling out a new Officiating Performance Review System, which includes tighter evaluation metrics, expanded video review, and greater transparency for schools to submit formal feedback.
Mixed Reactions Across the Conference
The announcement has sparked a variety of reactions across the college basketball community.
Some coaches and analysts have praised the decision as long overdue.
“It’s about time someone stood up and said enough is enough,” said a current SEC assistant coach who requested anonymity. “We prepare all week, our players lay it all on the line, and one bad whistle can flip everything. Officials need to be held to the same standard of preparation and focus that we are.”
Others caution against singling out referees publicly, noting the inherent difficulty of officiating high-intensity games.
“I don’t envy officials. They have an impossible job,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “That said, transparency and accountability are critical. If the SEC is setting a precedent, it could spark broader changes across the NCAA.”
A Turning Point for SEC Officiating?
This high-profile disciplinary action signals a significant turning point for SEC officiating, which has drawn increasing scrutiny in recent years. From missed goaltending calls to unexplained technical fouls, several key conference matchups have been overshadowed by controversial decisions.
With the new season just around the corner, all eyes will now be on the officials — not just to avoid mistakes, but to uphold the integrity and consistency that college basketball demands.
As for Mariner, his future in high-level officiating remains uncertain. While the door has not been closed entirely, his demotion is a clear reminder that no one is immune from scrutiny — no matter how long they’ve worn the whistle.
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