ISU Athletic Director Jamie Pollard has been issued a public reprimand in accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Big 12 said in a statement issued Oct. 6.

Pollard will also be fined $25,000 by the conference and will be put on notice that any similar behavior will result in a more serious penalty. The fine is the largest in Big 12 history.

Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said the following in the statement:

“Mr. Pollard’s public statements called into question the integrity and competence of game officials and the Conference’s officiating program,” Bowlsby said. “To insinuate that games are called unfairly to negatively impact a program is irresponsible and completely baseless. Accordingly, the seriousness of this violation warrants a public reprimand and a financial penalty. We take pride in our officiating programs and will continue to strive for the highest possible standards and the fairest competition.”

Pollard took the podium after Iowa State’s 37-20 loss to Oklahoma State and made critical comments about officiating after a controversial video review that reversed the call on the field. Both television analysts and ISU fans argued there was not indisputable video evidence to overturn the call.

According to a Des Moines Register report, the Big 12 Conference reached out to Iowa State saying they agreed with the ruling of a touchdown.

Pollard said in his post-game speech that Iowa State had been treated “unfairly” ever since an issue was raised a year-and-a-half ago that Iowa State was the lone vote on. Pollard confirmed Monday in a statement that he voted against the addition of an eighth Big 12 official in 2013. His full statement is as follows:

“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. “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.”

In his Monday press conference, Coach Paul Rhoads chose not to comment on the “issue” that Pollard said was raised a year-and-a-half ago and only commented on Pollard speaking out in support of his team.

“I’m privileged to have a boss that is that passionate about this athletic department and this university and that he was willing to stand up and say the things that he did,” Rhoads said. “I benefit from that as the leader of this program, certainly the coaching staff benefits as well.”