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A series of questionable calls by a Southeastern Conference (SEC) officiating crew led by Ken Williamson, including controversial ones in Georgia’s comeback win over Auburn two weeks ago, reportedly prompted serious disciplinary action.
Yellowhammer News reported, citing sources, that Williamson has been “permanently suspended from officiating conference games.” At least 11 complaints were filed against Williamson and his staff following the Oct. 11 Auburn-Georgia game.
“According to sources, nine of those complaints were validated by conference officials,” the outlet reported.
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Referee Ken Williamson during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 22, 2011 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Auburn led late in the second quarter when Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold fumbled the ball during a short yardage play near the goal line. After a video review, the officials ruled that Georgia recovered the ball before Arnold was able to score a touchdown.
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The controversial decision on the close call prevented Auburn from taking a commanding 17-0 lead. Instead, Georgia drove down the field and kicked a field goal to cut the deficit to seven points. The Bulldogs eventually won 20-10.
Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) attempts a goal line drive that ended in a fumble and a Georgia turnover as the Auburn Tigers take on the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. Saturday 11 October 2025. (Jake Crandall/The Advertiser/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Former NFL referee and current NBC Sports rules analyst Terry McAulay weighed in after hearing reports of Williamson’s suspension. “This is insane. Ken is a very good judge and has been for a very long time,” McAulay wrote on X.
Referee Terry McAulay (77) makes the call during the first quarter between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a preseason game on August 20, 2016 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. (Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
“I’ve commented on the Ga/Auburn game and no, the crew didn’t have a very good game. It happens to officials, just like it happens to coaches and players,” he continued. “I look forward to the day when an AD suspends his coach for, in a single game, poor clock management, allowing players to fake injuries, bad play calls, etc.”
“Or let’s permanently bench a QB for throwing a game-ending interception regardless of his past performance.
“*If* this is based solely on that one game, shame on everyone involved. It’s yet another reason Conferences shouldn’t oversee referees and will forever be a dark spot on college football.”
Williamson has more than four decades of officiating experience and has been an SEC umpire for the past 21 years. He was part of the officiating crew for the 2021 SEC Championship Game.
SEC officiating crews are routinely evaluated according to the conference’s accountability guidelines. The impact these evaluations have on any future assignments and personnel decisions is private.
Pakinomist Digital contacted the SEC for more information on Williamson’s status.
