Horizon League Suspends Coach Doug Gottlieb for One Game
On Wednesday, the Horizon League suspended Doug Gottlieb, the men’s basketball head coach for the Green Bay Phoenix, for one game due to a verbal outburst directed at an official following a recent game.
Gottlieb voiced his frustration over officiating after his team lost 75-72 to the Milwaukee Panthers on Sunday. He mentioned that he perceived the calls to be inconsistent. Consequently, he will miss the upcoming game against Oakland on Friday.
The league released a statement emphasizing that Gottlieb’s remarks did not align with their standards of sportsmanship, noting that they consider the issue resolved and will offer no further comments.
In response to the situation, Gottlieb issued an apology, acknowledging his inappropriate language. “I want to express my regret to the Horizon League and everyone involved for my comments after Sunday’s game,” he stated. He added that he comprehends the challenges that officials face and intends to improve his conduct in the future.
During the game, Green Bay was behind 73-72 when Milwaukee’s Stevie Elam intercepted a pass from Preston Rudinger, who was making a drive to the basket. Although he was fouled, Elam managed to score two free throws with just one second remaining.
Gottlieb felt there should have been a foul on a particular play. “It was identical to the situation on their end,” he commented. “Yet, every time they drove, it was a foul called. For us, there was chaos.” He elaborated on feeling a clear disparity in officiating.
Moreover, Gottlieb expressed frustration over receiving a technical foul, indicating that he felt his behavior did not warrant such a penalty. “I need an explanation from the league regarding the inconsistency in officiating,” he remarked, insisting that all he sought was fairness in the game.
Green Bay’s athletic director, Josh Moon, remarked that they had conversations regarding Gottlieb’s actions. While they appreciated his apology, the department believed that a suspension was excessive and that a reprimand would have sufficed.
