AMES — ISU atheletics director Jamie Pollard has been reprimanded and fined $25,000 by the Big 12 Conference becuase of post-game comments highly critical of officiatiing he made following Saturday’s 37-20 loss at Oklahoma State.
The news of Pollard’s punishment came via a news release.
In it, the league noted that Pollard could face "a more serious penalty" if he does not refrain from "similar behavior" in the future.
“Mr. Pollard’s public statements called into question the integrity and competence of game officials and the Conference’s officiating program,” Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in the release. “To imply that games are called unfairly to negatively impact a program is irresponsible and completely baseless. Accordingly, the seriousness of this violation warrants a public reprimand and a financial penalty. We take pride in our officiating programs and will continue to strive for the highest possible standards and the fairest competition.”
Pollard’s post-game criticism stemmed from the result of an official review of a first half-ending play that stirred controversy.
Cowboys’ running back Desmond Roland was ruled by officials on the field to not have crossed the plane of the goal-line on a two-yard run as the clock ran out before halftime.
The score was 6-6 at the time.
The review offical found what he determined to be indisputable evidence to overturn the call on the field from scrutinizing replays, however, and did so.
Oklahoma State took a 13-6 lead as a result and went on to score a touchdown on the second half-opening kickoff and would lead by at least seven points — and as many as 24 — the remainder of the game.
Pollard apologized for his comments in the news release.
"“Although on Saturday I felt the need to defend our players and our institution, Dr. (Steven) Leath (ISU’s president) and I recognize that our decision to have me do so publicly was in violation of the conference’s sportsmanship guidelines and we accept the Commissioner’s punishment," Pollard said in the release. "Furthermore, I apologize for implying that Iowa State University’s vote against the addition of an eighth official at a conference meeting in 2013 impacted game officiating. It was inappropriate for me to do so. We are committed to working with the Big 12 Conference in the appropriate manner moving forward.”
Here’s (below) the official release from ISU athletics:
BIG 12 REPRIMANDS IOWA STATE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS JAMIE POLLARD
In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued a public reprimand of Iowa State University Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard for his comments following Saturday’s game against Oklahoma State. In addition, the Conference assessed a $25,000 fine for Pollard’s post-game remarks and put him on notice that any similar behavior will result in a more serious penalty.
“Mr. Pollard’s public statements called into question the integrity and competence of game officials and the Conference’s officiating program,” stated Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. “To imply that games are called unfairly to negatively impact a program is irresponsible and completely baseless. Accordingly, the seriousness of this violation warrants a public reprimand and a financial penalty. We take pride in our officiating programs and will continue to strive for the highest possible standards and the fairest competition.”
JAMIE POLLARD STATEMENT
“Although on Saturday I felt the need to defend our players and our institution, Dr. Leath and I recognize that our decision to have me do so publicly was in violation of the conference’s sportsmanship guidelines and we accept the Commissioner’s punishment. Furthermore, I apologize for implying that Iowa State University’s vote against the addition of an eighth official at a conference meeting in 2013 impacted game officiating. It was inappropriate for me to do so. We are committed to working with the Big 12 Conference in the appropriate manner moving forward.”
