LOOK: Texas Tech announcers hammer officials, Big 12 issues punishment
When Texas Tech takes on Oklahoma State this weekend, fans will hear different voices for the radio call. The Big 12 announced Wednesday that the Red Raiders’ radio announcers are suspended after their comments about the officiating crew last week.
Brian Jensen and John Harris won’t be on the call this week after ripping the officials during Texas Tech’s win over Iowa State last week. The duo called out the officiating crew and commissioner Bob Bowlsby by name.
“The Big 12 does not want Iowa State to lose this game,” Harris said.
“Bob Bowlsby, you need to answer to this,” Jensen answered. “This is ridiculous.”
The criticism didn’t slow down, either. In fact, Twitter user Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) posted the audio clips — and it took three parts for him to get everything Jensen and Harris said.
“Maybe the referee has a concussion and he needs to get to the trainer” Jensen said. “He’s acted like it the whole game.”
The Big 12 reprimands, punishes Texas Tech announcers
Wednesday night, the Big 12 issued a press release publicly reprimanding Jensen and Harris and announcing the suspensions after a review of the comments.
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“I understand the roles of the play-by-play and color analyst,” Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said in a statement. “However as University representatives they also have an obligation to adhere to Conference policy regarding comments about game officials. The comments by the Red Raider Radio Network booth announcers were contrary to expected levels of respect and professionalism. Questioning the integrity of Conference officials and specifically calling out members of the officiating crew is well beyond appropriate and permissible behavior.”
Jensen and Harris went viral that day for another reason, though. Their call of Jonathan Garibay’s 62-yard, walk-off field goal to give Texas Tech the 41-38 win.
Texas Tech is 6-4 overall and 3-4 in Big 12 play this year. The Red Raiders have a chance to play spoiler this weekend against Oklahoma State, which is tied with Oklahoma for the Big 12 lead with two games remaining.