You’ve heard announcers rip officials before, but implying that their calls are so bad they might be concussed is something new.
Texas Tech’s radio announcers – play-by-play man Brian Jensen and color analyst John Harris – have been publicly admonished and suspended by the Big 12 after their sharp criticism of the officials during Saturday’s game against Iowa State.
Texas Tech actually won, 41-38, but the Red Raiders’ announcers got particularly worked up in the fourth quarter over a replay review overturned a Texas Tech interception.
“I’ll say it right now, the Big 12 does not want Iowa State to lose this game,” said Brian Jenson.
“Bob Bowlsby, you need to answer for this,” John Harris said, chiding the conference commissioner. “This is ridiculous. Unbelievable. The inconsistency of this referee crew in favor of Iowa State today is unbelievable.
“Maybe the referee has a concussion, and he needs to get a trainer, because he’s acted like it this whole game.”
With the Texas Tech student section up in arms, the announcers kept ripping the officiating crew, naming them one-by-one.
In response, the Big 12 issued a “public reprimand” and announced that the broadcasters would be suspended for Texas Tech’s game against Oklahoma State this Saturday.
“I understand the roles of the play-by-play and color analyst,” Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a statement. “However as University representatives they also have an obligation to adhere to Conference policy regarding comments about game officials. The comments by the Red Raider Radio Network booth announcers were contrary to expected levels of respect and professionalism. Questioning the integrity of Conference officials and specifically calling out members of the officiating crew is well beyond appropriate and permissible behavior.”
