Davis penalty plan given to Big Ten
12/28/2002BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Big Ten Conference will decide in the next few days how severely to punish Indiana basketball coach Mike Davis for his outburst at the end of last Saturday's game against Kentucky.
The conference asked Indiana to suspend Davis, and the school delivered its recommended penalty to the league office in Chicago yesterday.
An Indiana athletic department spokesman said the school would not make its response public until after it heard back from the Big Ten.
Big Ten spokeswoman Sue Lister said the conference did not expect to respond immediately. Officials have three business days to decide whether to accept Indiana's plan or order a different punishment, she said. The announcement could come as late as Jan. 2.
Davis reportedly could be suspended for up to six games and receive a public reprimand.
“Whatever they say is fine with me, and the administration has been really supportive, so whatever they decide is fine,” Davis said before yesterday's practice.
The outburst occurred with 2.6 seconds left and Indiana trailing 65-64. Hoosiers guard Bracy Wright drove for a layup that bounced off the side of the backboard. Davis wanted a foul, but none was called.
Davis then ran onto the court and protested vehemently, waving his arms at official Bert Smith. He drew two technical fouls and was ejected.
Indiana lost the game 70-64.
During his postgame news conference, Davis was apologetic, saying his actions cost his team the game. He also apologized to his players and the fans.
The 10th-ranked Hoosiers (8-1) play at Temple today. Because of the delay, Davis, who asked for the game to coach against John Chaney, will be able to coach.
FINDLAY 72, WALSH 56
FINDLAY - The Oilers nailed 65.2 percent of their shots (15 of 23) in the second half to score 45 points and pull away in the Findlay Holiday Tournament.
Charles Warren (15 points), Frank Phillips (14) and Brad Rethman (13) scored in double figures for Findlay (8-1). Marwan Gaines chipped in 10 rebounds.
HILLSDALE 94, FERRIS ST. 77
HILLSDALE, Mich. - Matt Mlynarcheck scored 19 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the Chargers to victory in the first round of the Hillsdale Christmas Classic.
John Hamood added 18 points and four rebounds for Hillsdale (6-3).
Adam Anderson had 19 points and seven rebounds for the Bulldogs (5-5). Scott graduate Dennis Springs added 17 points and four rebounds.
NEW YORK - Courtney Fields scored 18 points and the Gaels took their first win over a ranked team in almost 23 years, in the opening round of the Holiday Festival at Madison Square Garden.
Rashad McCants had 15 points for North Carolina, which shot 32 percent (18-for-56).