The SEC has suspended veteran referee Ken Williamson for the remainder of the 2025 college football season, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach and Pete Thamel.
The suspension stems from Williamson and his crew’s performance during the Oct. 11 matchup between Georgia and Auburn, which Georgia won 20–10 after trailing 10–3 at halftime. Williamson had been planning to retire at the end of the season, meaning this suspension effectively ends his officiating career.
The game featured two particularly controversial calls. Late in the first half, Auburn faced third-and-goal, and quarterback Jackson Arnold attempted a dive into the end zone. Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson punched the ball out, and the Bulldogs recovered. Officials ruled it a fumble on the field and upheld that call after review, despite multiple replay angles suggesting the ball may have crossed the goal line. ABC commentators also indicated it appeared to be a touchdown.
Later, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart appeared to signal for a timeout while running along the sideline. Officials initially granted the timeout, but Smart clarified he was not calling for one; he was pointing out that Auburn players were mimicking Georgia’s signs, which should have resulted in a penalty. The referees then reversed the timeout call.
After 21 years as an SEC referee, Williamson’s career will conclude in a rather unceremonious fashion following the contentious officiating in this game.
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