Stanford to promote offensive coordinator David Shaw to head coach
Auburn's Nick Fairley to reveal decision on NFL draft Friday

Pac-10 reprimands UCLA's Joshua Smith over comments about refs

By Tim Gardner, USA TODAY
Updated

After UCLA lost to Southern California in a Pac-10 basketball game on Sunday, Bruins center Joshua Smith -- who fouled out of the game -- had some harsh words about the officiating.

After the game, according to the Los Angeles Times, Smith said "the refs were terrible. The one where I fell and [USC's Nikola] Vucevic fell on me, the refs said, 'Well, I had to call it on you because you fell.' They're giving me [ridiculous] answers. They're telling me this, this and this. I mean, I'm a guy who will own up to it when I foul."

Smith later apologized publically for his comments and UCLA coach Ben Howland said Smith's comments were "totally poor judgment."

The Pac-10, too, didn't appreciate Smith's words. Thursday, the league officially reprimanded Smith for his actions.

"While we are appreciative of the fact that he has since apologized publicly for his remarks, all of our student-athletes must adhere to Pac-10 policy that prohibits them from making public comments about officiating," Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement. "In these circumstances, conference rules require a public reprimand."

Smith, who has fouled out of the Bruins' last two games, hopes to stay on the court when UCLA faces Oregon State on Thursday.

-- Tim Gardner

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