SEC reprimands Tennessee’s Fulmer

The Southeastern Conference reprimanded Tennessee Coach Phillip Fulmer on Wednesday for saying after a victory over Vanderbilt that the league needs to take a “hard look” at officiating.

Commissioner Mike Slive said Fulmer violated the league’s code of ethics that prohibits coaches, players and support personnel from publicly criticizing officials.

Fulmer didn’t try to hide his emotions last weekend after his Volunteers beat Vanderbilt, 39-10, because he still was upset over calls in a victory at South Carolina and a loss to Louisiana State.

Also Wednesday, Tennessee tailback Arian Foster and two other players charged with disorderly conduct and underage drinking after an incident at a nightclub reached a plea deal.

Foster, safety Antonio Wardlow and fullback David Holbert, each 20, were charged Nov. 5.

Under a deal with prosecutors, the three were given judicial diversion and a public intoxication charge against Wardlow was dismissed.

The players must complete a day of community service, attend an alcohol-awareness class at the university and pay court costs. If they stay out of trouble, the convictions can be erased from their records after a year.