Iowa’s Fran McCaffery Apologizes for Sideline Outburst

by Bill DiFilippo / @bflip33

After his sideline outburst during Iowa’s 75-71 loss to 22nd ranked Wisconsin, Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery has issued a formal apology. 

During the under-12 minute media time out during the second half of Sunday’s game, McCaffery had to be restrained by his assistant coaches while he yelled at the game’s officials over a pair of calls that went against the Hawkeyes. After he was assessed his first technical, McCaffery approached an official, bumped into him, kept yelling and was assessed a second technical.

The Hawkeyes were leading 41-39 at the time, but were unable to get the road win without their coach on the sidelines.

From CBS Sports:

“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,” he said. “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.”

The school’s athletic director, Gary Barta, also released 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.”

The loss dropped the Hawkeyes to 12-3 on the season. There is no word on whether or not McCaffery will face any addition discipline, such as a suspension or a fine.