The ACC issued a “public reprimand” for Notre Dame basketball coach Micah Shrewsberry after his outburst following the Fighting Irish’s controversial 72-71 loss to Cal on Friday.
“Shrewsberry aggressively confronted a member of the officiating crew following the game,” a statement from the ACC read. “The unsportsmanlike behavior that was displayed is unacceptable and tarnishes the on-court play between these institutions.”
Shrewsberry will not be suspended or fined for the incident.
With about five seconds left in Friday’s game in Berkeley, Cal’s Dai Dai Ames hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 71-71 and was fouled on the play.
Referees reversed the call before Ames shot his free throw, calling the basket off, before later reversing the call once again and counting the shot.
On Ames’ way up the court, Notre Dame defender Logan Imes had tried to commit a foul in an attempt to keep the Golden Bears from evening the game up with a triple.
Instead, referees held onto their whistle, calling a foul when Ames went up for his shot just beyond the 3-point line.
Ames hit the free throw to give Cal the lead and, eventually, the win.
Shrewsberry then unloaded on the officiating crew, at one point charging at them once the game was over.
Shrewsberry was held back by fellow Notre Dame coaches and players during the ugly scene.
Saturday morning, Shrewsberry issued an apology for his blowup.
“I want to apologize for what took place immediately after the Cal game last night,” the statement read. “My actions were inappropriate and not symbolic of the leader I strive to be and what Notre Dame expects of its coaches and educators. I will learn from this lack of judgement and be better in the future. I want to apologize to our team, our University and its leaders, to Coach Madsen and his team, and to the ACC, as my actions were unacceptable.”
