Nevada coach lost cool
Nevada coach Mark Fox yelled profanities and appeared ready to use force toward a police officer and game officials after the Wolf Pack lost in the Western Athletic Conference tournament in Las Cruces, N.M., according to a police report released Tuesday.
The report from New Mexico State University police details a confrontation inside the Pan American Center after Nevada lost 79-77 to Utah State in the WAC semifinals Friday night.
NMSU officer Quent Pirtle said in the report he was escorting officials Bill Gracey, Bob Staffen and Scott Thornley to their dressing room when he heard Fox using “loud, boisterous and profane language toward the officials.”
Fox was not arrested and no charges were filed, but WAC commissioner Karl Benson said the conference will investigate.
The day after the incident, Fox told the Reno Gazette-Journal that he and Gracey encountered each other after the game.
“We got stuck in the same hallway. I said something to the official that I regret. I apologize to him and the conference. I’ve got to realize when the game ends, it ends,” Fox told the newspaper.
Nevada (28-4) plays Creighton (22-10) in the first round of the NCAA tournament Friday in New Orleans. Benson said the incident would not prevent Fox from coaching the Wolf Pack during the tournament.
LSU’s Davis eyes NBA
LSU center Glen “Big Baby” Davis is leaning toward turning pro and likely will announce his decision by next Wednesday.
Coach John Brady said Davis has been meeting with agents and plans to meet with him Tuesday to discuss entering the NBA draft.
“He’s investigating it, and if it doesn’t turn out like he thinks, then he’ll come back,” Brady said.
Coming and going
Bowling Green coach Dan Dakich resigned after 10 seasons without reaching the NCAA tournament and a tumultuous year in which he was reprimanded for criticizing officials. The Falcons finished this season with a 13-18 record.
“University of Missouri-Kansas City fired men’s coach Rich Zvosec after a 12-20 season.
Zvosec compiled an 84-91 record in six years and had one year left on his contract, which was extended last summer.
“Southern Utah hired former Brigham Young coach Roger Reid to lead the Thunderbirds.
Reid replaces Bill Evans, who was let go last week after 15 years at Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds finished this season 16-14.
“UC Riverside coach David Spencer resigned from the team, citing health reasons. Spencer had been granted a medical leave of absence in November for an undisclosed condition.
“Laurie Pirtle is retiring after 21 years as Cincinnati’s women’s coach with more than 300 career wins and six NCAA tourney appearances.
The Bearcats went 15-14 this season to give Pirtle a career record of 310-301.