OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma — Texas Longhorns head softball coach Mike White has been publically reprimanded by the Big 12 Conference for his actions during a heated softball game. It happened Friday during a semifinal Big 12 tournament game against Oklahoma.
After White was ejected in the second inning following a controversial play and a couple plays in review, he was seen walking off the field while throwing his middle finger up into the air.
In his first apology via Twitter, White said he regrets his actions.
“Today was certainly not the right way to conduct oneself during softball competition. I am an intense competitor by nature, and in the heat of the moment I made a rash decision which I truly regret,” said Coach White in his statement.
In response to his apology, Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby issued a statement saying, “Coach White’s action was a clear violation of Sportsmanship expectations, and we accept his public apology.”
The controversial play that resulted in the snowball chain of events took place at the bottom of the first inning. Three reviews in the first couple of innings went against Texas. In the first inning alone, a catcher obstruction call and the timing on tagging the third out were reversed in OSU's favor, costing two runs. Later, Mary Iakopo was thrown out at second trying to rally the 'Horns, and the review confirmed the call.
In second statement released by Texas Athletics, White said he accepted full “responsibility for the reprimand the Big 12 Conference issued.”
“As I said after the game, they were unacceptable, regrettable and reflected poorly on the Big 12 Conference, The University of Texas, my softball team and me personally. In addition to that statement, I also want to publicly apologize to the umpiring crew, that was calling the game, and specifically umpire Naomi Urdahl,” said Coach White. “My actions were not in accordance with those of a Head Coach who has the responsibility to conduct himself in a professional manner at all times.”
The Texas Longhorns ultimately fell to the Oklahoma State Cowgirls 6-1. The Longhorns received a bid to the NCAA Tournament Field and are headed to Seattle to face Weber State, Lehigh and Washington.