USC AD Pat Haden Argues With USC-Stanford Officials During The Game [Vine]

College Football Playoff Committee member and USC athletics director Pat Haden was not pleased with the officiating of today’s USC-Stanford game so he decided to let them know. In the middle of the third quarter after USC head coach Steve Sarkisian was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for arguing with officials. A few moments later, Haden was seen on the sidelines discussing the call with the officiating crew.

Why Haden would be on the field interacting with officials in the middle of the game is unknown. Speculation suggests he was more upset the a targeting call on USC’s Hayes Pullard, which resulted in his ejection.

Haden spoke with a sideline reporter during the ABC broadcast to say he received a text from one of the coaches on the sideline to come down to the field and talk with the officials. He said he received an answer from the officials and moved on.

No matter the reason for Haden’s discussion with the officials, an AD shouldn’t be on the field talking to officials in the middle of the game. Further, a Playoff Committee member shouldn’t be on the field arguing with officials. I’m not sure what the PAC 12 can do about this situation but some sort of fine should be in order.