Harbaugh reprimanded for criticizing refs

Oct 7, 2008 - 4:10 PM WALNUT CREEK, California (Ticker) -- The Pac-10 Conference on Tuesday reprimanded Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh for criticizing the officials following Saturday's 28-21 loss at Notre Dame.

Harbaugh was upset that an interference penalty was called while a Notre Dame player attempted to make a fair catch on a punt in the second quarter. The punt was muffed, negating a fumble recovery and possible return for a touchdown by the Cardinal.

"We got a couple bad calls," Harbaugh said after the game. "It's hard to imagine people don't know football any better than that. Maybe I'll be swayed differently after I see the replay, but from what I saw on the field, I still can't get over it. It was a really bad call. It should have been our ball and a touchdown for us."

It a statement released by the conference, Pac-10 commissioner Tom Hansen said Tuesday that the officials made the proper call. Saturday's game was officiated by a Pac-10 crew.

"Pac-10 officials have reviewed video of the play and it is apparent the Stanford player covering the punt impeded the Notre Dame player after attempting to catch it," the statement said.

"Even though the player attempting to catch the kick was bumped by his teammate, he still attempted to catch the kick and was impeded by the Stanford player. The rule places the onus on the kicking team to avoid impeding the opportunity to catch the ball."