Pac-12 Conference Commissioner Larry Scott reprimanded Utah athletic director Chris Hill and fined him $10,000 for “inappropriate language and public comments regarding men’s basketball officiating” on Friday.
The announcement came one day after Hill issued an apology for his profanity-laden outburst that was overheard during men’s basketball coach Larry Krystkowiak’s post-game news conference on Sunday night at the Huntsman Center following a close loss to Arizona State.
“The Pac-12 membership has established conduct rules that prohibit our administrators from derogatory language, as well as publicly commenting about officiating,” Scott said in a release from the Pac-12. “We have an obligation to our members to enforce approved Conference rules. While we appreciate Dr. Hill’s public apology, as a part of our officiating program, there is a protocol in place for our administrators to provide feedback directly to the coordinator of officials in a private and appropriate manner.”
The loud exchange took place in a room adjacent next to the press conference, and audio and video recorders picked up part of Hill’s words to the conference’s coordinator of men’s basketball officiating Bobby Dibler.
“I have had a few days to reflect on a heated conversation I had with an individual following our men’s basketball game against Arizona State on Sunday,” Hill said in a statement released by the Utah athletic department on Thursday. “While my emotions were high and I thought our meeting was private, there is no excuse for the inappropriate language I used. I have apologized to the person involved, who is someone I have known for years and greatly respect. I also regret any discomfort to others as a result of my cursing. As the leader of this department, I expect more of myself and I am sincerely sorry.”
Hill’s reprimand and fine comes on the heels of the conference having issued a public reprimand to Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley for comments critical of officiating last week following a game at Colorado.
