Iowa State athletic director blasts Big 12 officiating
The Cyclones aren't going to take it any more.
Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard took to a microphone and ripped the Big 12's officials in a postgame press conference after the Cyclones' 37-20 road loss to Oklahoma State on Saturday.
"We've been on the short end of several controversial calls and it's hard to sit idle and watch ESPN, FOX, other announces not debate, but to feel sorry for Iowa State, because maybe there will be another apology for a call," Pollard said.
Pollard said he could think of three calls that Iowa State later received an apology for or the media felt they deserved an apology.
With the game tied at six in the final seconds of the first half, Oklahoma State running back Desmond Roland was called short of the goal line. Upon replay review, officials overruled the decision and awarded Oklahoma State a touchdown. Video aired on the game's television broadcast looked somewhat inconclusive.
Earlier this year, Kansas State was awarded a catch in the corner of the end zone against the Cyclones and the Big 12 later said the replay officials mishandled the play. The replay officials were suspended a game.
Last season, Iowa State forced a goal-line fumble in the final minutes of a loss to Texas, but the play was called dead. The Big 12 ruled that video evidence was inconclusive and said officials made the right decision. After that game, Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads ranted against the officiating and was issued a public reprimand.
"We can't get that back. That ends careers for football coaches, ADs and presidents," Pollard said. "Something's got to be done. I don't know what that is, but there needs to be more accountability."
Pollard said he and coach Paul Rhoads tried to deal with previous missed calls internally, but felt it was time to speak up. Pollard said he and Rhoads brought up an issue to the Big 12 a year and a half ago, but were "the lone vote" and have come up with the "short stick" ever since.
"It's no longer fair to put our student athletes, our coaching staff and our fans in that position," Pollard said. "I don't know how things change, but it's frustrating and it's not fair."
Pollard said he did not fault any athletes for speaking out against officiating on
"They're frustrated and frustrated with a lack of action," Pollard said, promising further work internally through proper channels.
"I recognize the Big 12 does not allow commenting on officiating and I recognize there's penalties for that," Pollard said. "But folks, our institution's been penalized already."
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