Utah AD Hill fined $10,000 by Pac-12 for postgame tirade

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah athletic director Chris Hill has been fined $ 10,000 and reprimanded by the Pac-12 for inappropriate language and public comments regarding men's basketball officiating after Sunday's loss to No. 11 Arizona State.

Coach Larry Krystkowiak had to stop mid-sentence during his postgame news conference as a man could be heard shouting and swearing from another room.

The man turned out to be Hill and he was yelling at Pac-12 coordinator of men's basketball officiating Bobby Dibler. Hill apologized in a statement on Thursday.

''The Pac-12 membership has established conduct rules that prohibit our administrators from derogatory language, as well as publicly commenting about officiating,'' commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement Friday. ''We have an obligation to our members to enforce approved conference rules.

''While we appreciate Dr. Hill's public apology, as a part of our officiating program, there is a protocol in place for our administrators to provide feedback directly to the coordinator of officials in a private and appropriate manner.''

The Sun Devils won the game 80-77 thanks to two go-ahead free throws with 21.7 seconds remaining. Arizona State had three players foul out and the Utes shot 13 more free throws.

''While my emotions were high and I thought our meeting was private, there is no excuse for the inappropriate language I used,'' Hill said in a statement Thursday. ''I have apologized to the person involved, who is someone I have known for years and greatly respect. I also regret any discomfort to others as a result of my cursing. As the leader of this department, I expect more of myself and I am sincerely sorry.''

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