Fran McCaffery Suspended By Iowa, Reprimanded by Big Ten
Iowa men's basketball coach Fran McCaffery has been suspended by the University of Iowa. His suspension was immediately followed by a public reprimand by the Big Ten Conference.
Following last night's game against Ohio State in Columbus, McCaffery reportedly told one of the game officials in an arena hallway, "You cheating m---- f-----! You are a f---ing disgrace!" What he allegedly said isn't acceptable. If true, Fran had to be suspended, and he now is.
In a media release from University of Iowa Director of Athletics Gary Barta, he announced McCaffery has been suspended for two games. He will not be on the sidelines for Iowa's games this Saturday, at home, against Rutgers and the game at Wisconsin Thursday, March 7. In the release, Barta said,
Following the basketball game at Ohio State, Coach McCaffery made unacceptable comments to a game official in the hallway headed to the locker room. Fran’s comments do not represent the values of the University of Iowa, Hawkeye Athletics, and our men’s basketball program.
Fran immediately accepted responsibility for his comments and understands the severe implications of his remarks. Fran fully understands this suspension and penalty imposed by the Big Ten Conference. Fran continues to have my full support moving forward.
The release also included this statement from Fran McCaffery:
I am in total agreement with the suspension by Iowa Athletics and the fine levied by the Big Ten Conference. My comments directed toward a game official were regretful. I apologize to Big Ten Conference officials, Iowa Athletics, my players and staff, and the tremendous Hawkeye fans. This behavior is not acceptable and I take full responsibility for my inappropriate comments.
The public reprimand from the Big Ten said,
The Big Ten determined that McCaffery’s postgame actions were in violation of Big Ten Conference Agreement 10.01, which states in part that "The Big Ten Conference expects all contests involving a member institution to be conducted without compromise to any fundamental element of sportsmanship. Such fundamental elements include integrity of the competition, civility toward all, and respect, particularly toward opponents and officials."
The Big Ten has also fined the University of Iowa $10,000 for McCaffery's actions.
The announcements come just before a 3 p.m. press conference at the University of Iowa where Gary Barta and Iowa play-by-play announcer Gary Dolphin will discuss Dolphin's current suspension. It was announced earlier today that Dolphin will be reinstated at the beginning of spring football.