Pac-12: Kentucky fans sent threats to Music City Bowl ref

The Pac-12 claimed Kentucky fans harassed the Music City Bowl officiating crew, particularly referee Chris Cotye, for days after the game, according to ESPN's Kyle Bonagura.

Cotye, a Pac-12 referee, was in charge of the Dec. 29 contest that saw Northwestern defeat Kentucky 24-23, after Wildcats star running back Benny Snell was controversially ejected.

Kentucky fans allegedly sent numerous threats to Cotye's cell and office phones, and to his commercial real estate association.

Related: Referee explains decision to eject Kentucky's Snell

Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart was very critical of Cotye and his crew in a letter to the Pac-12's vice president of officials sent in early January, questioning Snell's ejection and the handling of an injury to quarterback Stephen Johnson.

The Pac-12 supported Cotye's decision to boot Snell from the game afterward.