[Husker] Release: Big 12 Conference Reprimands Nebraska Football Coach Bill Callahan

[Richard K Alloway]

Just got this release in the radio station's e-mail.

Rick
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2005

    Big 12 Conference Reprimands Nebraska Football Coach Bill Callahan

DALLAS – In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards
of Sportsmanship, the Conference has publicly reprimanded University of
Nebraska head football coach Bill Callahan for his on-field behavior during
Saturday’s game against Oklahoma.

Callahan’s action occurred at the 10:58 mark of the fourth quarter after an
Oklahoma 17-yard touchdown run by Kejuan Jones.  Callahan acknowledged that
he did make a gesture out of frustration and intended no malice toward an
official.

“I understand Coach Callahan’s explanation of his gesture, however it
resembled an action specifically prohibited by the NCAA football rule book
[Rule 9-2-a-1-(a)],” stated Commissioner Kevin Weiberg.  “This was out of
character for Coach Callahan.  He has been very good to work with and his
sideline demeanor had been exemplary.  I have great respect for him and
understand that he was acting on emotion.  However, the Big 12 and its
member institutions place tremendous emphasis on the Conference’s
Sportsmanship Policy, and I believe his action in this situation
constituted unsportsmanlike conduct and therefore warrants a public
reprimand.”

“The University of Nebraska is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference and
has great respect for the Commissioner and his staff,” said Nebraska
athletics director Steve Pederson.  “We appreciate the fact that they have
accepted Coach Callahan’s explanation of this gesture.  We also recognize
that any kind of gesture is not in character either with Coach Callahan or
our program.  We accept the public reprimand and are ready to put this
matter behind us.”

The Big 12 Conference office considers this matter closed and will not
comment further.