COLLEGE PARK - Maryland coach Gary Williams apologized yesterday for criticizing an official and the league office after the Terps' loss at Wake Forest on Wednesday night.

Williams said one of the referees, Doug Chowes, said, "See you next week" in a threatening manner in the closing seconds, after Williams and point guard Steve Blake had drawn technicals.

Williams then hinted the league ignores his concerns by saying, "We're in Alaska at Maryland."

In a written statement yesterday, Williams said, "My comments following the Wake Forest game should not be construed as criticism of the league office. To the contrary, the ACC has always been responsive to concerns raised by Maryland and the basketball program.

"It was not my intent to comment publicly on the quality of the officiating in the game. My comments were inappropriate and I have apologized to the commissioner for them."