North Dakota Radio Announcer Paul Ralston Suspended For ‘Choke Job’ Comment

The University of North Dakota has suspended its men’s basketball radio play-by-play announcer Paul Ralston for comments he made after a recent overtime loss by the team.

According to Fox Sports, Ralston was hit with a two-game suspension for using the words “choke job” during a post game interview with UND coach Brian Jones after the team’s 74-72 overtime loss Northern Arizona on Saturday.

Athletic director Brian Faison announced the suspension Wednesday.

During the contest, UND reportedly missed numerous free throws and committed multiple turnovers in closing minutes of regulation to set up Northern Arizona’s comeback.

While coach Jones acknowledged his team’s sloppiness at the end of the game, he ultimately gave credit to a Northern Arizona team that wanted the victory more.

Jones said:

“We let this one slip away. We can’t turn the ball over 21 times and expect good things to happen, but give Northern Arizona credit for finding a way to force overtime and get this victory. Both teams played hard and it’s a tough way to come out on the losing end.”

During his two-game ban, Ralston will be replaced by associate athletics director Kyle Doperalski.

The Grand Forks Herald reports Ralston will resume his play-by-play duties and travel with the team for Big Sky games February 28 at Portland State and March 2 at Eastern Washington.

Readers: Do you think Paul Ralston’s “choke job” comments were out of line? Did he deserve to be suspended for being brutally honest? Chime in with your thoughts in the comment section below.

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