Big East suspends Bobby Gonzalez

Mar 19, 2008 - 9:30 PM SOUTH ORANGE, New Jersey (Ticker) -- The Big East Conference on Wednesday suspended Seton Hall coach Bobby Gonzalez for the first league game of the 2008-09 season.

The suspension was caused by a failure to comply with university and Big East policies.

After a hard-fought 64-61 loss to Rutgers on March 9, Gonzalez publicly criticized the officiating - specifically referee Wally Rutecki. Gonzalez received a technical foul in the contest.

"Bobby Gonzalez's criticism of Big East officials following the Seton Hall-Rutgers game on March 9 is unacceptable and is not representative of Seton Hall University athletics," conference director of athletics Joe Quinlan said.

"The Big East provides the best roster of game officials for our students in the country. They represent the game and the conference with great integrity and dignity. We regret any embarrassment this episode may have brought to the league and our fellow institutions."

Gonzalez, 43, guided the Pirates to a 17-15 record in 2007-08 and is 30-31 in two seasons at the helm of Seton Hall.

Gonzalez also coached Manhattan to two NCAA tournament berths in seven seasons with the Jaspers. He owns an overall record of 159-108 at both schools.