ISU coach Paul Rhoads was publicly reprimanded by the Big 12 on Saturday, Oct. 5, for comments he made about officiating after Iowa State’s loss Thursday night against Texas.

The Big 12 said Rhoads’ comments were in violation of the Big 12 Conference’s Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct rules, which forbids comments regarding officials and calls.

“Coach Rhoads violated conference rules that prohibit coaches, student-athletes, athletic department staff and university personnel from making public comments about game officials,” said Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby. “Although more severe action was possible, he is being issued a public reprimand. Coach Rhoads is also put on notice that future incidents may result in a more serious penalty.”

The Big 12 Conference announced Friday that it reviewed plays of interest from Iowa State’s 31-30 loss Thursday night against Texas.

With 1:08 remaining and the Cyclones leading the Longhorns 30-24, ISU linebacker Jeremiah George came out of a pile with an apparent fumble recovery as Texas drove at the 1-yard line. The official ruled at the time that Texas running back Johnathan Gray was down before the fumble occurred, and the call was later upheld after review.

Walt Anderson, supervisor of Big 12 Football Officials, said Friday that the replay official made the correct call because there was no indisputable video evidence to change the original ruling.

“There is no question the runner ends up on the ground, and there is no question that eventually an Iowa State player ends up with the ball,” Anderson said in a statement Friday. “However, after reviewing the video evidence it is impossible to tell with certainty when the runner loses control of the ball and at that point was he down or not.”

The conference also publicly reprimanded Texas wide receiver Mike Davis, who was called for a personal foul penalty when he dove into the knees of ISU defensive back Deon Broomfield with 4:30 remaining in the third quarter.

“Given the heightened emphasis on player safety, unnecessary and illegal acts such as this have no place in the game and are unacceptable,” Bowlsby said. “Mr. Davis is also put on notice that any future such behavior may result in a more serious penalty, including possible suspension.”