Cal Coach Reprimanded For Shove By Pac 12

Coach Mike Montgomery was reprimanded by the Pac 12for his controversial shove during a game this weekend.

Montgomery caused controversy this weekend when he shoved one of his players, Allen Crabbe, during a timeout. The Cal coach grabbed his player, yelled at him, and then shoved him in the chest with both hands. Sports fans have been debating Montgomery’s actions today and now the Pac 12 has weighed in.

The Pac 12 didn’t announce any specific punishment but they did say that Montgomery will not be suspended.

Pac 12 commissioner Larry Scott said:

“While emotions can run high in competitive environments, Pac-12 coaches are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will reflect credit on the institution and the conference … Each Pac-12 coach must be aware that they are an example to student-athletes and other students, and consistent with this influence and visibility, must meet a particularly high standard.”

Cal Athletic Director Sandy Barbour added:

“Sunday’s game was an emotional one for everyone who cares deeply about our men’s basketball program, and the Bears certainly showed tremendous resolve coming back to earn a win over USC … However, it is unacceptable for our coaches to have physical contact with student-athletes regardless of the circumstances. The second-half incident was certainly out of character for Mike Montgomery, and I am confident that something like this will not happen again.”

Do you think Montgomery should have been punished for the shove? During the post-game press conference Montgomery said that his shove “worked,” nothing that Crabbe played much better after the incident.

He later apologized, saying:

“I have great passion for this game and tonight, I let my emotions get away from me in the heat of the moment. While my intent was to motivate our student-athletes, my behavior was inappropriate and I apologize for my actions.”