The Big Ten office today issued a public reprimand of Nebraska football head coach Bo Pelini for violating the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy following Nebraska?s game against Iowa on Nov. 29, 2013. In addition, the conference announced that the institution has been fined $10,000 as a result of the violation.

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The Big Ten determined that Pelini?s postgame comments regarding officials were in violation of Big Ten Conference Agreement 10.01, which states in part that ?The Big Ten Conference expects all contests involving a member institution to be conducted without compromise to any fundamental element of sportsmanship. Such fundamental elements include integrity of competition, civility toward all, and respect, particularly toward opponents and officials.? Coaches are teachers as well, and there is an expectation that they set the example for student-athletes and others in areas of sportslike conduct.

?The University of Nebraska embraces and supports the Big Ten Conference?s Sportsmanship Policy,? said Nebraska Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst. ?In that regard, we were disappointed with Coach Pelini?s actions this past Friday regarding game officials. We immediately recognized and addressed the situation with Coach Pelini and the Big Ten Conference. In addition, Coach Pelini acknowledged and accepted responsibility for the inappropriateness of his actions and issued a public apology in advance of this reprimand.?

The Big Ten Conference considers this matter concluded and will have no further comment.

— BigTen.org