As expected, the Big 12 Conference has reprimanded and fined Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard for his public statements following Saturday's football game at Oklahoma State.

Pollard went on a 2 ½-minute tirade about a call on the last play of the first half he believes turned the game in the Cyclones' 37-20 loss to the 21st-ranked Cowboys.

The Big 12 issued the public reprimand today (Monday, October 6, 2014), and fined Pollard $25,000 for violating the league's Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship. The fine is the largest in conference history.

“Mr. Pollard’s public statements called into question the integrity and competence of game officials and the Conference’s officiating program,” said Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, a Waterloo native. “To imply that games are called unfairly to negatively impact a program is irresponsible and completely baseless. We take pride in our officiating programs and will continue to strive for the highest possible standards and the fairest competition.”

The conference warned Pollard that similar behavior in the future will result in a more series penalty.

In response to the reprimand and fine, Pollard apologized for his behavior in a written statement released to the media.

“Although on Saturday I felt the need to defend our players and our institution, Dr. Leath and I recognize that our decision to have me do so publicly was in violation of the conference’s sportsmanship guidelines and we accept the Commissioner’s punishment," Pollard said in the statement. "Furthermore, I apologize for implying that Iowa State University’s vote against the addition of an eighth official at a conference meeting in 2013 impacted game officiating. It was inappropriate for me to do so. We are committed to working with the Big 12 Conference in the appropriate manner moving forward.”

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