Pitt has issued a public reprimand of coach Jeff Capel for his public comments regarding the way his basketball team has been officiated this season after Saturday’s loss at Clemson, the university announced in an unattributed press release on Sunday evening.
Pitt’s press release cited an excerpt from that league sportsmanship pledge:
“Public criticism of officials or public comments evaluating the officiating of particular contests is not in the best interest of intercollegiate athletics. Individuals associated with the athletics program are prohibited, therefore, from commenting while acting in an official capacity on officiating other than directly to the conference office.”
Capel said on Saturday that he has contacted the league office, but that “it doesn’t matter.” He also acknowledged that he could face discipline for speaking on the matter publicly.
“I’ll get whatever will happen,” he said. “I know I’m wrong for what I’m saying. Because you can’t say anything. Can’t say anything.”
Pitt’s press release did not specify punishment, but said that Capel has acknowledged his wrongdoing.
“Coach Capel accepts full accountability for his actions, understands the consequences of the comments and has spoken privately to the appropriate parties involved,” the statement read. “The University of Pittsburgh, the ACC and Coach Capel consider this matter resolved and will have no further comment.”
Why! I watch the same games and he’s absolutely correct. The ACC refs abuse Pitt.
Unless it was a reprimand with a pat on the back.
kevin
2 years ago
I thought he said it very tastefully, and he wasn’t a jerk about it at all, He was just voicing his opinion. Welcome to the 21st Century! People can’t say anything that will upset the higher ups, even if it’s right. Scary where this may lead us. H2P
Terrence Otoole
2 years ago
Pitt needs to get off the high moral train ,do you think if nick saban said what capel said he’d be publicly reprimanded, what capel said was spot on and it applies to the football team as well
Randy Joseck
2 years ago
Heather Lyke just through Jeff Capel under the bus. Coach Capel expressed his views in a professional manner. He is just stating reality, the calls (in football and basketball) go against Pitt. Heather should be talking the ACC office on Pitt’s behalf. H2P
Teddyballgame
2 years ago
This is not just a basketball issue, but a football issue too.
Why! I watch the same games and he’s absolutely correct. The ACC refs abuse Pitt.
Unless it was a reprimand with a pat on the back.
I thought he said it very tastefully, and he wasn’t a jerk about it at all, He was just voicing his opinion. Welcome to the 21st Century! People can’t say anything that will upset the higher ups, even if it’s right. Scary where this may lead us. H2P
Pitt needs to get off the high moral train ,do you think if nick saban said what capel said he’d be publicly reprimanded, what capel said was spot on and it applies to the football team as well
Heather Lyke just through Jeff Capel under the bus. Coach Capel expressed his views in a professional manner. He is just stating reality, the calls (in football and basketball) go against Pitt. Heather should be talking the ACC office on Pitt’s behalf. H2P
This is not just a basketball issue, but a football issue too.
that is fantastic information to the player.