Sawvel Lands Public Reprimand for Criticizing Officials

Sawvel Lands Public Reprimand for Criticizing Officials

Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel, many times on Saturday, became animated on the sideline. None more so than when running back Samuel Harris was tripped in the flat in what likely would've been a walk-in touchdown.

LARAMIE -- Jay Sawvel was none too pleased with a flag late in regulation last Friday night and voiced it during his Monday press conference.

The Mountain West Conference took notice.

Wyoming's third-year head coach Tuesday was issued a public reprimand from the league for his "public criticism of game officials" during the Cowboys' 16-13 overtime victory over San Jose State inside CEFCU Stadium.

Center Chandler Donaway was penalized for holding on a 25-yard pass play from Tyler Hughes to tight end Kyle Frendt with six seconds remaining in regulation. If the completion would've stood up, the Cowboys were preparing to attempt a potential game-winning field goal from roughly 58 yards out, Sawvel said postgame.

That yellow hankie erased that idea.

"That was just an egregious call," Sawvel said from behind the podium. "I thought that was a bunch of crap, and I'll just say it that way. To make that call, at that point, against a guy that was a spy, was a load of crap."

MW Administrative Regulation 11.2.7 is a rule in the conference handbook that "governs sportsmanship and public criticism of game officials."

This isn't the first time in Sawvel's career as a head coach he's been called out for such remarks.

After a 27-25 loss to Utah State back in 2024, Sawvel was flagged himself for unsportsmanlike conduct after arguing a pass-interference call. He again went to his press conference and said the magic words.

"I thought it was a pretty quick hair trigger, too," he said. "I don't want to say a whole lot else about that stuff, because, to be honest, right now, I'd say I'm a horses--- head coach, and I think we've had some horses--- officiating."

 

MORE UW FOOTBALL NEWS VIA 7220SPORTS:

* Making the Grade: Bogar Becoming QB's Worst Nightmare

* Rants and Raves: SJSU Spartans Edition

* FINAL LIVE FILE: Wyoming 16, San Jose State 13 OT

* Wyoming Outlasts San Jose State in Overtime, 16-13

* Turning Point, Unsung Hero and What's Next for UW Football

* Behind the Numbers: Pokes 'Let it Rip' on Fourth Down

* Hughes Put Cowboys on His Bruised Back in 16-13 OT Win

* Anatomy of an 8-Game Road Losing Streak

* Q&A With Frustrated Wyoming Offensive Coordinator Christian Taylor

University of Wyoming’s Top 50 Football Players

During the summer of 2021, 7220Sports.com counted down the Top 50 football players in University of Wyoming history, presented by Premier Bone & Joint Centers, Worthy of Wyoming.

The rules are simple: What was the player's impact while in Laramie? That means NFL stats, draft status or any other accolade earned outside of UW is irrelevant when it comes to this list.

This isn't a one-man job. This task called for a panel of experts. Joining 7220's Cody Tucker are Robert Gagliardi, Jared Newland, Ryan Thorburn, and Kevin McKinney.

We all compiled our own list of 50 and let computer averages do the work. Think BCS -- only we hope this catalog is fairer.

Don't agree with a selection? Feel free to sound off on our Twitter: @7220sports - #Top50UWFB

Gallery Credit: 7220Sports.com

- University of Wyoming’s Top 50 Football Players

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