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Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery was ejected from the team's game against Wisconsin Sunday night after being whistled for two technical fouls in the span of about five seconds. McCaffery was arguing over a call against Iowa center Gabe Olaseni, which came just moments after a non-call at the Iowa end.
The fourth-year head coach yelled at one official, drawing the initial call. He then bumped into a second official, drawing the second technical foul and ejection. McCaffery stayed on the court, continuing to pursue the referees after the ejection.
Video of the incident is below, courtesy of BTN:
The two technicals came after a Wisconsin shooting foul, so Wisconsin got six free throws off the television timeout. The Badgers converted five of the six, giving them their first lead since 3-2 early in the game. Wisconsin eventually won the game by four, so yeah, those points weren't important or anything.
Obviously, there has not been word from the Big Ten on any additional suspension, but Jim Delany probably isn't going to let this one slide.
McCaffery is known for his fiery temper, but has not been thrown out of a game for arguing with officials since a trip to Northern Iowa in his first season at Iowa. The Hawkeyes lost that game, too.
MONDAY UPDATE:
Athletic director Gary Barta has issued a statement:
"I've met with Coach McCaffery regarding last night's ejection from the game in Madison. He knows he crossed a line of acceptable behavior and accepts responsibility for his actions. All staff at the University of Iowa fully support the Big Ten Conference's sportsmanship policy's fundamental elements, including civility and respect toward opponents and game officials. Fran has my full support moving forward."
McCaffery issued a statement, as well:
"I want to apologize for my emotional reaction during Sunday night's game at Wisconsin. I have great passion and respect for the game of basketball and everyone involved in it. I regret that my actions put our program and the University of Iowa in a negative light. I look forward to working with my staff and my players to move forward and compete for a championship."
McCaffery was on the Big Ten conference call this morning, and at least to the ears of Scott Dochterman, sounded more apologetic than he did Sunday night:
Fran on whether he'd handle last night different. "Definitely ... I wasn't pleased with a couple of calls, but that happens."
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) January 6, 2014
Fran more contrite: "I didn't put our team in a position that benefitted them and you've got to be man enough to admit that."
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) January 6, 2014
Fran on B1G: "I never would want to embarrass the school. ... I regret the second T, no question."
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) January 6, 2014