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MVFC reprimands Pelini
Details of league’s scolding, however, remain secret
By steve wilaj
YOUNGSTOWN
First-year Youngstown State football coach Bo Pelini was reprimanded on Monday by the Missouri Valley Football Conference for his use of profane language toward referees in Saturday’s 27-24 loss to North Dakota State at Stambaugh Stadium.
The MVFC posted a statement on its website, stating, “Missouri Valley Football Conference policies call for public reprimand for use of profane or unduly provocative language or action toward an official.
“The conference office considers this incident closed and will have no further comment on this matter.”
Mike Kern, associate commissioner of the MVFC, would not specify the details of the reprimand.
“We’re not going to comment more about it,” Kern said.
Ron Strollo, YSU’s Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, did not return calls for comment.
Pelini’s weekly press conference takes place today at 11:30 a.m. inside Stambaugh Stadium.
Kern added that while he wasn’t sure if this was the first time Pelini’s actions were reviewed by the MVFC office, “this is the first time it has elevated to this level.”
The incident stems from two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties Pelini received within the game’s final 30 seconds. The head coach was flagged for continually barking at officials to argue a crucial pass interference call that went against YSU defensive back Kenneth Durden with less than two minutes remaining.
The pass interference came on a third-and-3 play and moved NDSU from YSU’s 18-yard line to the 6. The Bison scored the go-ahead TD two plays later with just 35 seconds remaining.
Kern said he talked to MVFC commissioner Patty Viverito, who had Bill Carrolla, supervisor of officials, review the play.
“Carrolla determined Saturday’s referees made the correct call,” Kern said.
Pelini’s two penalties cost YSU 18 yards after a kickoff return to its own 30-yard line. Paired with a sack of quarterback Hunter Wells, the Penguins offense was eventually pushed back to its own 5-yard line thanks to Pelini’s penalties.
In his postgame news conference, Pelini addressed the unsportsmanlike conduct penalties by saying, “[The referees] didn’t like the way I was talking to them. Because I told them ... you know, I’m not gonna get into it.”
The incident picked up steam nationally, as CBSsports.com, NBCsports.com, The Washington Post, Sportingnews.com — as well as various news outlets from Nebraska (where Pelini coached the Cornhuskers for seven years) and North Dakota — all wrote on the topic.
Kevin Schnepf of The Forum in Fargo, N.D. wrote, “It was due to happen sooner or later. Bo Pelini losing his cool to the point of being downright embarrassing. ... Known for his F-bomb tirades at Nebraska, Pelini could be heard using the F-bomb when he started arguing a pass interference call that set up NDSU’s game-winning touchdown with 35 seconds remaining.”