Ken Williamson Referee Suspension Explained: What Did He Do to Get Permanently Banned by the SEC?

Ken Williamson, a long-time referee in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), has reportedly been permanently suspended following a review of his performance during the Auburn vs Georgia football game on 11 October 2025.

The 58-year-old official, known for his decades-long service in college football, faced scrutiny after a series of disputed calls prompted widespread complaints from fans and analysts.

Although several sports outlets have confirmed the disciplinary action, the SEC has yet to release an official statement addressing the alleged suspension or Williamson's future within the conference.

Who is Ken Williamson?

Ken Williamson has been part of the SEC officiating roster for years, often serving as a crew chief in high-profile fixtures, including bowl games and conference championships. Described by several media outlets as one of the league's most seasoned 'white hats', Williamson was regarded as a steady presence on the field.

Reports also suggest he works as a real estate agent in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, outside of his officiating duties.

Before the recent controversy, Williamson was considered one of the SEC's most respected officials, trusted with overseeing competitive matchups in front of national audiences.

His abrupt fall from grace has therefore come as a surprise to many in the college football community.

The Game that Changed Everything

The Auburn vs Georgia clash at Jordan-Hare Stadium became the turning point in Williamson's career. Georgia won 20–10, but the officiating took centre stage after several questionable calls appeared to influence momentum during the match.

According to Yellowhammer News, the SEC received 11 formal complaints about the officiating crew led by Williamson. Following a review, nine of those complaints were reportedly validated by conference officials.

Two key incidents drew particular criticism. The first occurred just before half-time when an Auburn quarterback appeared to cross the goal line for a touchdown.

The call on the field was ruled a fumble, with Georgia recovering the ball. Video review upheld the decision, angering Auburn supporters.

The second incident involved Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who appeared on the sideline signalling for a timeout.

The officiating crew granted the timeout and reset the play clock, but the timeout was not charged to Georgia. Smart later claimed he had merely been clapping, not requesting a stoppage in play.

SEC's Reported Decision and Response

Following the game and its aftermath, media outlets including Yellowhammer News, reported that the SEC had permanently suspended Williamson from officiating conference games.

These reports claimed that internal reviews found multiple errors of judgement by the crew under his supervision.

However, the SEC has not issued an official press release confirming the suspension, and requests for comment from both the league and Williamson have so far gone unanswered.

If accurate, the decision would represent one of the most severe disciplinary measures against an SEC referee in recent years.

Reaction from the Sporting Community

The alleged suspension has sparked strong reactions across the college football landscape. Auburn fans celebrated what they saw as accountability for a series of missed calls, while Georgia supporters argued that the decisions had little effect on the game's outcome.

Former NFL referee and analyst Terry McAulay criticised the supposed lifetime ban, calling it 'insane' if it was based solely on a single performance. Many fans questioned whether Williamson was being made a scapegoat for wider issues within SEC officiating.

The topic 'Ken Williamson referee suspension' quickly trended across X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, with numerous users repeatedly asking, 'What did he do?'

Transparency and Trust in SEC Officiating

The situation has reignited debate over transparency and accountability in college football officiating. Critics argue that the lack of a public statement from the SEC leaves room for speculation and undermines trust in the league's review process.

Others point to the growing pressure referees face in an era where every call is dissected by fans, broadcasters, and replay technology.

Whether the SEC confirms the permanent suspension or not, the Ken Williamson case has highlighted the fine line between human error and professional accountability in one of America's most-watched sporting leagues.