ST. PAUL, MINN. — ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said yesterday he has censured and reprimanded Minnesota basketball coach Clem Haskins for comments made about the officials after the Gophers' 63-62 loss to second-ranked Ohio State Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.
Haskins called the officials "jackasses" and lambasted them for "having cost us the game."
"Conference regulation 3-2-D prohibits undue public criticism of officials," Delany said. "And Coach Haskins' comments of Feb. 23 were in violation of this standard."
Delany added that Haskins' comments were "intemperate and unprofessional post-game comments" that "unfairly ridiculed three quality game officials, detracted from Ohio State's victory over Minnesota and placed himself, his university and his conference in an unfavorable light."
Minnesota men's athletic director Rick Bay had reprimanded Haskins Sunday, saying Haskins' remarks "were contrary to the rules of sportsmanlike conduct in the Big Ten and they were inexcusable."
Bay also said he would impose a minimum of a one-game suspension "for any repeat offenses."
Haskins was most upset about a five-second violation called on point guard Arriel McDonald in the final minute with the Gophers leading. The Buckeyes scored the winning basket on the ensuing possession.