Callahan says he made no throat-slashing gesture
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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Another Oklahoma game, another burst of emotion under scrutiny. Big 12 Conference Commissioner Kevin Weiberg on Monday reviewed video of the apparent throat-slash gesture made Saturday by Nebraska coach Bill Callahan.
Weiberg, in accordance with the league’s sportsmanship policy, promptly notified NU officials that they have 48 hours to respond to the league office with a written review of the incident and any actions they intend to take. View sequence
The commissioner can accept those actions or adjust any measures recommended by the school, said Big 12 assistant commissioner Bob Burda.
Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson, in a prepared statement, said he has discussed the matter with Callahan and declined further comment until he responded to the conference office.
Television replays show Callahan raising his right arm, his index finger extended, and making a motion from left to right across his throat. Callahan made the gesture while arguing with an official during the fourth quarter of a 31-24 loss to longtime rival Oklahoma.
Callahan addressed the situation on Monday’s weekly Big 12 coaches’ teleconference.
Asked if he made a throat-slash gesture toward the referee, Callahan said, “What do you mean, what are you talking about?”
When reminded of his heated discussion with the official regarding an apparent no-call and told it appeared he had indeed made such a gesture, Callahan said, “Oh, no, no. I was frustrated and emotional. But no, there was no malicious intent toward anyone or any referee.”
Callahan was then asked if the gesture might have been intended to demonstrate what happened to his defender on the play, a 17-yard scoring run by running back Kejuan Jones that pushed Oklahoma’s lead to 31-17. The crowd booed loudly, apparently feeling at least one Husker defender was held on the play.
Following Jones’ scoring run, Callahan had an animated sideline discussion with referee Steve Usecheck. After a brief exchange, Callahan walked away from Usecheck, then turned and made the gesture that’s now under review.
“I’m not going to get into all of that. It is what it is, I guess,” Callahan said. “Someone’s making a big deal out of something that’s nothing. I really don’t know what you’re talking about because I really haven’t seen anything.”
In addition to Weiberg’s review of game video, the referee’s game report also was to be reviewed, Burda said.
A private reprimand of Callahan would not be made public, but other penalties would be announced by the league office.
Callahan said during Monday’s teleconference that he was unaware that the Big 12 was reviewing the matter.
Callahan was asked by a reporter what kind of an example a throat-slash gesture was setting for players.
“I didn’t throat-slash anybody,” he said flatly.
In eight games this season, Nebraska’s opponents have been called for holding only once. Oklahoma’s final scoring drive Saturday included a 15-yard intentional face mask call on NU’s Titus Adams.
As he left the field after last season’s game against the Sooners, Callahan uttered a disparaging remark about Oklahomans for which he later apologized. In addition, former Husker offensive lineman Darren DeLone was charged with aggravated assault stemming from a pre-game incident with an OU spirit squad member.
DeLone later was acquitted of the felony charge.
The latest Nebraska-Oklahoma incident comes as Nebraska (5-3, 2-3 Big 12) prepares to face Kansas (4-4, 1-4) at noon Saturday in Lawrence, Kan. The Huskers, losers of three of their last four games, prepare for a Jayhawk defense that ranks second nationally defending the run and 10th in total defense.
“I think they’re outstanding,” Callahan said of the Jayhawks. “If you look at the last few weeks of their play, they’ve played tough, physical football.”
Briefly
As a matter of course, Nebraska coaches each week single out officials’ game calls that they think should be reviewed by Tim Millis, Big 12 supervisor of officials. “We get a response to those particular questions we have of different plays and selected (video) clips,” Callahan said. “(The Big 12) cooperates professionally, we get a good response, and move forward.”
Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.
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