Sat Oct 25 20:00:00 UTC 2025: SEC Referee Ken Williamson Suspended After Controversial Auburn-Georgia Game

Atlanta, GA – Veteran SEC referee Ken Williamson has been suspended for the remainder of the 2025 season following a review of his performance in the recent game between Auburn and Georgia, ESPN reports. The suspension, initially reported as permanent by Yellowhammer News, follows a storm of controversy stemming from calls made during Georgia’s 20-10 victory over Auburn on October 11th.

According to Yellowhammer News, the SEC received 11 complaints about Williamson’s officiating in the game, with nine deemed valid. While five of the questionable calls favored Georgia, four went against them.

The most contentious call of the game occurred just before halftime. Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold attempted a quarterback sneak, diving over the offensive line. On the field, officials ruled that the ball did not cross the goal line before being dislodged by Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson. Replay reviews failed to provide indisputable evidence to overturn the call.

Subsequently, Georgia’s Kyron Jones recovered the fumble and ran 99 yards, however the officials marked the ball at the 1-yard line. The Bulldogs then kicked a field goal, cutting Auburn’s lead to 10-3.

As Williamson left the field, Auburn Coach Hugh Freeze and Athletic Director John Cohen voiced their complaints directly to him.

Later in the fourth quarter, Georgia coach Kirby Smart appeared to signal for a timeout, but the officials initially didn’t acknowledge it, leading to a brief stoppage while they conferred. Smart later said he was trying to alert the officials that Auburn’s defense was illegally clapping to mimic the snap count, a defensive delay of game penalty.

This incident comes amidst growing frustration for Auburn fans, who have felt their team has been on the wrong side of officiating errors. The SEC previously admitted to a missed unsportsmanlike conduct penalty during Auburn’s loss to Oklahoma. However, Williamson’s crew was not involved in that game.

ESPN reports that Williamson had previously informed the SEC of his intention to retire at the end of this season. The suspension effectively ends his career as a referee in the conference.

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