WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Monmouth University has suspended head men's basketball coach King Rice for one game for comments made during the postgame press conference following the Hawks' game with Navy on Wednesday night. Rice will miss Monmouth's game at No. 4 Syracuse on Saturday.
"Monmouth University does not condone public criticism of officials, or any sideline behavior that misrepresents the University’s commitment to good sportsmanship and respect for all participants,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Marilyn McNeil.
Rice stated, “I want to apologize to the Monmouth community, President Gaffney, Dr. McNeil, Jeff Stapleton, and the whole Monmouth Athletic Department for my comments in the newspaper, and for getting ejected last night. It was totally out of character for me to make comments about officials. I should have had better control of my emotions. I know that I am not supposed to do that, and it was my mistake. I am deeply sorry and I apologize greatly to my team, our fans and everybody who supports Monmouth Men’s Basketball.”
