GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Following Doug Gottlieb’s fiery postgame press conference after Sunday’s loss to UW-Milwaukee, the Horizon League has suspended UWGB’s head coach one game.
According to a statement from the Horizon League, Gottlieb will be suspended for Friday’s game against Oakland. Officials say that Gottlieb violated the League’s Operating Regulations.
“Gottlieb’s postgame comments do not reflect the League’s values of sportsmanship expectations,” officials with the Horizon League said in a statement. “The Horizon League considers this matter closed and will have no further comment.”
Rich Bisaccia stepping down as special teams coordinator
During Sunday’s postgame press conference, Gottlieb was asking for an explanation from the Horizon League on the reason why he was called for a late-game technical foul.
Gottlieb, shortly after, slammed the table and shouted, “You had the exact same play at both ends in the last play of the game, the exact same [bleeping] play!”
Gottlieb responded with a statement on X:
I’d like to apologize to the Horizon League and the officials for my disparaging comments following Sunday’s game. I understand and appreciate how difficult their job is, and respect what they do for the sport of basketball. I will be better moving forward.
UWGB Men’s Head Basketball Coach Doug Gottlieb
UWGB’s Athletics Department also posted a statement, stating that they “do not believe [Gottlieb’s] actions warranted a suspension.”
UWGB fell to 15-13 on the season following Sunday’s loss. The Phoenix will finish the regular season with road games in Oakland and Detroit before a home finale against Youngstown State.
Assistant coach Kerry Rupp will be the acting head coach for Friday’s game at Oakland.
