Izzo Accosts Ref At Halftime

[And1Hawk]

Just back from the game. Great win and feel fortunate to secure the win as I expected to get majorly hosed from an officiating standpoint in the second half.

After Jok nailed the jumper to end the first half, Izzo proceeded to chase down the little ref (who had made several favorable Sparty calls by the way) and engaged him in an intense verbal tongue lashing. As they approached the tunnel the little ref put his arm around Izzo and looked like he was trying to diffuse the situation. Izzo promptly got even more agitated and started pointing his finger near the refs chest and face. I think he might have bumped him before an MSU assistant finally stepped in between them. Izzo continued his tirade a little longer then finally walked into the tunnel. I wish I had thought quickly enough to video it but many of us just stood there and watched this unfold shaking our heads.

It's really, really sad that a coach with such a great legacy and with a program full of great players has to stoop so low to get an edge. Instead of coaching his guys he needs intervention from the refs. Sad, sad, sad but so glad the refs chose not buckle under to an MSU extreme the second half although MSU did get away with a lot of physical play.

Also proud of Fran for keeping his cool this year and in this game especially as there were several times I thought he could or would blow his stack based on the calls made.

 

[jsbailey324]

I love Fran, but he isn't much better when it comes to tirades with officials.

 

[waterboy4582]

Just back from the game. Great win and feel fortunate to secure the win as I expected to get majorly hosed from an officiating standpoint in the second half.

After Jok nailed the jumper to end the first half, Izzo proceeded to chase down the little ref (who had made several favorable Sparty calls by the way) and engaged him in an intense verbal tongue lashing. As they approached the tunnel the little ref put his arm around Izzo and looked like he was trying to diffuse the situation. Izzo promptly got even more agitated and started pointing his finger near the refs chest and face. I think he might have bumped him before an MSU assistant finally stepped in between them. Izzo continued his tirade a little longer then finally walked into the tunnel. I wish I had thought quickly enough to video it but many of us just stood there and watched this unfold shaking our heads.

It's really, really sad that a coach with such a great legacy and with a program full of great players has to stoop so low to get an edge. Instead of coaching his guys he needs intervention from the refs. Sad, sad, sad but so glad the refs chose not buckle under to an MSU extreme the second half although MSU did get away with a lot of physical play.

Also proud of Fran for keeping his cool this year and in this game especially as there were several times I thought he could or would blow his stack based on the calls made.

No way near what you described as they showed it on tv also. He had a discussion with him.

 

[bravehawks1]

IZZO went out to meet the refs 15 feet on the court at halftime, took an agitated discussion with them all the way to edge of court. Then when it looked like it was done, he turned around and said something else. When the teams came back on the court, he walked out of the tunnel with another of the refs. These interactions should not be allowed especially when Izzo initiated it. Pretty normal action by Izzo though. I definitely expected MSU to get lot of favorable calls in second half but MSU was just playing too bad for it to matter

 

[83Hawk]

I love Fran, but he isn't much better when it comes to tirades with officials.

Then you haven't been watching Izzo over the years.

Official initiates physical contact with Fran = Fran gets ejected from a game.

That same week, I watched Izzo come up from behind an official, grab him by the arm, spin him around, then proceed to lecture him = nothing...not even a technical foul. Official just stood there and let Izzo chew him out.

 

[HeRKeYHoPeFuL]

That was caught on camera live on BTN - although I didn't see a "bump", but definitely saw contact as they had arms around each other while talking into each others' ears (shoutout to the crowd by the way, as it was obvious it was hard to hear during the game given the whistle no one heard in addition to things like this).

While it's frustrating to see other coaches "get away with" things like this - I think it is more that longer tenured coaches of successful teams build relationships with officials they see often. This is why it seems like Izzo/Bo Ryan/Coach K get more calls than others... they probably do, but it is just human nature. I think Fran is starting to get there since he's been here a while, but it certainly takes time.

 

[jasonrann]

I love Fran, but he isn't much better when it comes to tirades with officials.

Inaccurate. Izzo works officials CONSTANTLY and isn't subtle about it. I swear, it is like his head is going to pop off half the time. If Fran tried that, he wouldn't be around long. Fran has toned things down a lot this season, I definitely give him credit for that.

 

[SCHawkFan]

Most coaches get agitated with the refs from time to time, big deal. They still called a good game, so I saw no second half advantage for MSU. It seems to me now that Fran has a few years of winning in the Big Ten under his belt he gets away with a little more than early on. Izzo does exactly what a good coach should do, he advocated for his team.

 

[Rifler]

I personally think that there should be a rule preventing a coach from initiating a conversation with a referee. If an official wants to address a coach, fine, let the conversation begin, but even then the other coach should always be included. Private, one sided conversations should never occur during a game.....

 

[Pepperman]

I personally think that there should be a rule preventing a coach from initiating a conversation with a referee. If an official wants to address a coach, fine, let the conversation begin, but even then the other coach should always be included. Private, one sided conversations should never occur during a game.....

Interesting, but how would you enforce that, I wonder? If a coach is constantly chirping at an official, is that "initiating a conversation" or does it only count if the official stops play and talks back to him?

Also, wouldn't it take a lot longer for a game to finish if every time an official spoke to a coach, he had to bring the other coach into it?

 

[MepoDawg#]

No way near what you described as they showed it on tv also. He had a discussion with him.

BTN didn't show the whole conversation. My first thought was why do the refs even talk to coaches at halftime.

 

[BIG Bick]

Twice the ball was not given to the Hawks to inbound it while the little black haired ref listened to Izzo bitch!!

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Officiating last night was pretty good. I thought they missed a few calls, but it went both ways. They even called MSU for some of their hand checking. Don't know his name, but I think the taller bald official is one of the better officials in the B1G.

 

[IronFist1776]

No way near what you described as they showed it on tv also. He had a discussion with him.

No, he nailed it. Izzo was angrily screaming at that ref, not just trying to be heard. The anger on his face was easy to see.

 

[Rifler]

Interesting, but how would you enforce that, I wonder? If a coach is constantly chirping at an official, is that "initiating a conversation" or does it only count if the official stops play and talks back to him?

Also, wouldn't it take a lot longer for a game to finish if every time an official spoke to a coach, he had to bring the other coach into it?

Enforcement would be easy.... Coach chirps enough to be noticed by an official he gets a warning. He continues to chirp he gets a technical. Third time he gets sent to the locker room. Also, I doubt that involving both coaches in all conversations would add much time to the game because the overall number of conversations per game would be drastically reduced....

 

[Whinny]

Izzo was just Izzo being Izzo last night. Nothing new here. He plays the officials. Always has, and always will. The good thing is that the B1G officials are aware of his game, and he doesn't get far with it. I especially love Izzo's "2-year-old-about-to-cry-or-maybe-poop-his-pants" look that he reserves for the officials.

The guy's a great coach. He's even likeable. But officials are wise to his tactics. He's been around far too long for them not to be.

 

[BubsFinn]

I’m watching a replay right now, and it’s clear the refs didn’t let Izzo call the fouls in the second half. Also, we never went into our usual 8-12 minute field goal drought. We kept the pressure on all night. Big win for the Hawks.

 

[hawki1968]

Inaccurate. Izzo works officials CONSTANTLY and isn't subtle about it. I swear, it is like his head is going to pop off half the time. If Fran tried that, he wouldn't be around long. Fran has toned things down a lot this season, I definitely give him credit for that.

Correction:
He toned things way down last season; Fran had 1 technical all last year.

After Patrick's ordeal Fran has really changed his demeanor: most of the time his arms are folded, and he says nothing to the officials. That being written, he occasionally gives us a show, ala last night on the phantom rebound foul.

 

[CanadaHawk]

I’m watching a replay right now, and it’s clear the refs didn’t let Izzo call the fouls in the second half. Also, we never went into our usual 8-12 minute field goal drought. We kept the pressure on all night. Big win for the Hawks.

The lack of a drought had a lot to do with MG's aggressive play.

 

[hooper56]

No way near what you described as they showed it on tv also. He had a discussion with him.

I was there and saw it pretty much as the OP described it. Izzo was loudly booed as he continued his tirade into the tunnel. He should have received a techinical but the ref should not have played along with him either. Both were at fault.

 

[hawkcub]

Correction:
He toned things way down last season; Fran had 1 technical all last year.

After Patrick's ordeal Fran has really changed his demeanor: most of the time his arms are folded, and he says nothing to the officials. That being written, he occasionally gives us a show, ala last night on the phantom rebound foul.

That and the calm down coach is more active. I think his name is Sherman Dillard. Everytime I see Fran going off he's there trying to calm him down.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Coaches acting like this is more on the officials than anyone. If they continue to let coaches get away with it, its gonna continue happening.

 

[blockm2]

Izzo crying to the refs like a little girl that lost her doll? No way. Never seen that before.

 

[SpartyRBS]

Guys, I'll let you in on a secret.

Izzo gets a bigger leash because of his tenure, his history, and because he's just an awesome, awesome guy off the court. On the court? He's vicious. He wants to win by a thousand. He's a competitor. He missed a game winning FT in his high school State of Michigan championship game, so he shoots free throws everyday to practice even though he'll never get another chance. He's a perfectionist to the extreme. He never stops.

So, yeah... he yells at refs... a lot because it might help him get that call in the crucial moments of a game. No hard feelings though. He'd help you out in a time of need in a New York minute. He's a Midwest guy with a Midwest, hardworking mentality.

 

[And1Hawk]

I stand by what I witnessed. The only thing you can question is the bump. It was slight and maybe it was not a bump but he was so on top of the ref it was very close to being one. The assistant stepped in for a reason.

You TV guys need to show up in person because as great as HD there is a lot you do not see. For instance there was a lot of off the ball stuff that MSU was doing, subtle grabs and hand checks of the cutter, etc. Not sure you get a good view of that on TV.

The bottom line is Delaney/B1G issued a decorum on coaching behavior but it's clear there is a double standard. If you are a marquee coach and/or program it applies less if at all. Had Fran done the same thing as Izzo he would be looking at a multi game suspension and this would be talked about nationally.

 

[Chewback]

Then you haven't been watching Izzo over the years.

Official initiates physical contact with Fran = Fran gets ejected from a game.

That same week, I watched Izzo come up from behind an official, grab him by the arm, spin him around, then proceed to lecture him = nothing...not even a technical foul. Official just stood there and let Izzo chew him out.

I remember that well. Izzo always gets a free pass for that crap. And of course the long tearful halftime "discussion" is SOP for him. Usually it works and he gets some very nice calls in the 2nd half.

 

[hooper56]

Guys, I'll let you in on a secret.

Izzo gets a bigger leash because of his tenure, his history, and because he's just an awesome, awesome guy off the court. On the court? He's vicious. He wants to win by a thousand. He's a competitor. He missed a game winning FT in his high school State of Michigan championship game, so he shoots free throws everyday to practice even though he'll never get another chance. He's a perfectionist to the extreme. He never stops.

So, yeah... he yells at refs... a lot because it might help him get that call in the crucial moments of a game. No hard feelings though. He'd help you out in a time of need in a New York minute. He's a Midwest guy with a Midwest, hardworking mentality.

I thought he was from the U.P.???
The guy can't get enough of himself. Dresses up like Gene Simmons, etc and really likes to make himself the show. Does it every year prior to the season. It is a joke. Loves to soak up the air time and get interviewed on TV. His ego is a mile high. Heckuva coach though, I'll give you that. Probably the worst short man's complex I have ever seen.

 

[Ronman]

Guys, I'll let you in on a secret.

Izzo gets a bigger leash because of his tenure, his history, and because he's just an awesome, awesome guy off the court. On the court? He's vicious. He wants to win by a thousand. He's a competitor. He missed a game winning FT in his high school State of Michigan championship game, so he shoots free throws everyday to practice even though he'll never get another chance. He's a perfectionist to the extreme. He never stops.

So, yeah... he yells at refs... a lot because it might help him get that call in the crucial moments of a game. No hard feelings though. He'd help you out in a time of need in a New York minute. He's a Midwest guy with a Midwest, hardworking mentality.

No one is disputing that Izzo is a decent human being. What chaps our collective hide is that he,and therefore his team, are given advantages that other teams don't receive. And this isn't just coming from Iowa fans, but the entire Big Ten. Simply put, there shouldn't be a second set of decorum regulations for a coach, no matter how successful or tenured he is.

 

[And1Hawk]

Guys, I'll let you in on a secret.

Izzo gets a bigger leash because of his tenure, his history, and because he's just an awesome, awesome guy off the court. On the court? He's vicious. He wants to win by a thousand. He's a competitor. He missed a game winning FT in his high school State of Michigan championship game, so he shoots free throws everyday to practice even though he'll never get another chance. He's a perfectionist to the extreme. He never stops.

So, yeah... he yells at refs... a lot because it might help him get that call in the crucial moments of a game. No hard feelings though. He'd help you out in a time of need in a New York minute. He's a Midwest guy with a Midwest, hardworking mentality.

No one is debating these points on Izzo. We get that the rules do not apply to him because of his success. The greater point is if our coach does this he's T'd, thrown out and possibly suspended based on the B1G coaching decorum. That's the joke and they might as well put that decorum out saying it does not apply to Izzo, Ryan, etc.

As much respect as I have for great programs like MSU it has to be embarrassing that you need calls given the talent gap there is between our programs. Can you not beat someone not on your level straight up?

 

[mazda1]

Fran and Tom both get on officials. It's the media narrative that is the difference. Fran threw a chair and bumped an official as a new coach. He got a rep as a mad man and I'm sure the refs were told to keep him in check.

Izzo and Bo (used to) whine in every game about the calls. Over the years they have grown used to a distinct advantage of home cooking and if they don't get it there and on the road they go nuts about the unfairness of it all. The media fawns all over them about being so passionate and wanting to win so badly. As Iowa gets more success and Fran gets more tenure he'll eventually start to get more respect and hence more calls.

When our fans get into it that will help too. MSU and Wisky are the two noisiest venues in the league and yes the refs don't want to hear their reactions.

 

[blockm2]

Izzo gets a bigger leash because of his tenure, his history, and because he's just an awesome, awesome guy off the court.

Please.

This is the same guy that whines that other coaches are too hard on their players which is why they get injured. Crickets when his players have the same injury.

He lives to whine. It's what he does. He whines on the court. He whines off the court.

 

[HawkandTackle]

Please.

This is the same guy that whines that other coaches are too hard on their players which is why they get injured. Crickets when his players have the same injury.

He lives to whine. It's what he does. He whines on the court. He whines off the court.

He whined when Iowa fired Lickliter.

Dude is always working an angle.

 

[SpartyRBS]

Wow, didn't know Iowa fans disliked Izzo so much. Interesting. This is almost UM level of hate but not quite. Well, good luck the rest of the way. Should be a fun season. Lots to look forward to from both programs.

 

[EZ2BJZ]

Wow, didn't know Iowa fans disliked Izzo so much. Interesting. This is almost UM level of hate but not quite. Well, good luck the rest of the way. Should be a fun season. Lots to look forward to from both programs.

I'm a little surprised myself. Most Iowa fans I know respect Izzo and think he has been good for the conference. Bo Ryan, on the other hand, not so much.

 

[herkyfan78]

Guys, I'll let you in on a secret.

Izzo gets a bigger leash because of his tenure, his history, and because he's just an awesome, awesome guy off the court. On the court? He's vicious. He wants to win by a thousand. He's a competitor. He missed a game winning FT in his high school State of Michigan championship game, so he shoots free throws everyday to practice even though he'll never get another chance. He's a perfectionist to the extreme. He never stops.

So, yeah... he yells at refs... a lot because it might help him get that call in the crucial moments of a game. No hard feelings though. He'd help you out in a time of need in a New York minute. He's a Midwest guy with a Midwest, hardworking mentality.

This is such a stupid argument. If you're an asshole on the court, or at any other time, you're an asshole. Period. Bob Knight is supposedly a lot of fun when he's not choking people and throwing chairs, too, but he's still an asshole.

True character is exposed during pressure situations. How you act in those critical moments defines who you are, not how you behave when the spotlight's off and no one is watching.

 

[HotelAlphaWilcoKilo]

Wow, didn't know Iowa fans disliked Izzo so much. Interesting. This is almost UM level of hate but not quite. Well, good luck the rest of the way. Should be a fun season. Lots to look forward to from both programs.

I look forward to running it in dry on that midget greaseball in two weeks. Happy New Year!

 

[binsfeldcyhawk2]

Coaches acting like this is more on the officials than anyone. If they continue to let coaches get away with it, its gonna continue happening.

The trouble is....not all coaches are allowed to do what we saw Izzo do at the half. I honestly can't remember Fran getting away with it.

It's what's wrong with college BB.....the "stars" are coaches like Izzo/coach K ect. In the NBA it all revolves around the players, as it should be....In college basketball it's almost a cult of personality revolving around some of the "blue blood" coaches and they get away with murder as a result.

 

[Rifler]

Wow, didn't know Iowa fans disliked Izzo so much. Interesting. This is almost UM level of hate but not quite. Well, good luck the rest of the way. Should be a fun season. Lots to look forward to from both programs.

I'm surprised that you're surprised..... News flash, most college basketball fans hate Izzo.

p/s: good luck to you guys also. see you again on the 14th.

 

[hawkcub]

Wow, didn't know Iowa fans disliked Izzo so much. Interesting. This is almost UM level of hate but not quite. Well, good luck the rest of the way. Should be a fun season. Lots to look forward to from both programs.

Ironically you are acting like UM football fans till the mid 2000's. You expect the horseshit calls because of Izzo. Kind of like UM fans because their Michigan.

 

[IronFist1776]

Fran and Tom both get on officials. It's the media narrative that is the difference. Fran threw a chair and bumped an official as a new coach. He got a rep as a mad man and I'm sure the refs were told to keep him in check.

Izzo and Bo (used to) whine in every game about the calls. Over the years they have grown used to a distinct advantage of home cooking and if they don't get it there and on the road they go nuts about the unfairness of it all. The media fawns all over them about being so passionate and wanting to win so badly. As Iowa gets more success and Fran gets more tenure he'll eventually start to get more respect and hence more calls.

When our fans get into it that will help too. MSU and Wisky are the two noisiest venues in the league and yes the refs don't want to hear their reactions.

WOW, such bulls!#t. The ref bumped Fran during a Wisconsin game where we got screwed on every possible call and inexplicably Fran was ejected because that ref was an unaccountable POS. And Fran never "threw a chair"against MSU. He picked it up and pounded it onto the floor a couple of times while emphasizing something to the team during a timeout when Iowa was stinking up the place against MSU. Nice try w/ your revisionist history though. You should write for the corporate lying LameStreamMedia.