Fran McCaffery suspended for two games

The Hawkeye head coach will not be on the sidelines when Iowa faces Rutgers on Saturday and Wisconsin on March 7.

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Katina Zentz

Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery reacts to a call during the men’s basketball game vs. Indiana at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Friday, February 22, 2019. The Hawkeyes defeated the Hoosiers 76-70.

Pete Ruden, Sports Editor

Iowa men’s basketball head coach Fran McCaffery has been suspended for the Hawkeyes’ next two games against Rutgers and Wisconsin, Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta announced Wednesday.

The suspension comes after McCaffery reportedly yelled at a ref following Iowa’s 90-70 loss at Ohio State, calling him a “cheating (expletive)” and “(expletive) disgrace” in the hallway of Value City Arena in Columbus.

The Big Ten supported McCaffery’s suspension and issued Iowa a $10,000 fine.

“I am in total agreement with the suspension by Iowa Athletics and the fine levied by the Big Ten Conference,” McCaffery said in a release. “My comments directed toward a game official were regretful. I apologize to Big Ten Conference officials, Iowa Athletics, my players and staff, and the tremendous Hawkeye fans. This behavior is not acceptable and I take full responsibility for my inappropriate comments.”

Barta said that while McCaffery’s comments do not represent the Iowa program, the head coach will continue to have his full support.

“Fran immediately accepted responsibility for his comments and understands the severe implications of his remarks,” Barta said in a release. “Fran fully understands this suspension and penalty imposed by the Big Ten Conference. Fran continues to have my full support moving forward.”

McCaffery and Barta will hold a press conference Wednesday at 3:20 p.m.