Wisconsin Herd HC Chase Buford Suspended After Calling Referee 'F--king Clown'
Feb 24, 2020
OSHKOSH, WI - February 7: Wisconsin Herd coach Chase Buford argues a call in their game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in a NBA G-League action on February 7, 2020 at the Menominee Nation Arena in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mike E. Roemer/NBAE via Getty Images)
Buford told reporters the referees' performance had been "unprofessional" and "embarrassing." He also singled out referee Matt Rafferty, whom he called a "f--king clown," per Ryan Rodig of WFRV-TV:
Early candidate for coaching rant of the year! Wisconsin Herd Head Coach Chase Buford after his team saw a 21-point lead disappear in the 4th quarter vs. Grand Rapids. And because he asked: @nbagleaguepic.twitter.com/cw5t1lMSKI
Herd general manager Dave Dean said in a statement the team was considering how it would discipline Buford (h/t USA Today's Scott Gleeson).
Buford also apologized for the comments: "I deeply apologize for my behavior. It was unprofessional and I'm embarrassed. It's a tough learning experience as a first-year head coach and I am truly sorry, and will grow from this."
The Herd were whistled for 21 personal fouls in Sunday's game compared to 13 for the Drive. Grand Rapids also attempted 18 free throws, nine more than Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Herd HC Chase Buford Apologizes for Calling Referee a 'F--king Clown'
Feb 24, 2020
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - FEBRUARY 19: Chase Buford head coach of the Wisconsin Herd reacts to a call against his team during the second half of an NBA G-League game against the Grand Rapids Drive on February 19 2020 at DeltaPlex Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images)
Wisconsin Herd head coach Chase Buford appeared to be cruising toward a straightforward victory over the Grand Rapids Drive on Sunday.
Instead, his team blew a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter of a 126-117 loss before he unleashed a rant on the officiating:
Early candidate for coaching rant of the year! Wisconsin Herd Head Coach Chase Buford after his team saw a 21-point lead disappear in the 4th quarter vs. Grand Rapids. And because he asked: @nbagleaguepic.twitter.com/cw5t1lMSKI
"The officiating definitely went right for Grand Rapids. That was as unprofessional as an officiating performance—I hope you tweet this out and tag the league, because that was embarrassing. Matt Rafferty is a f--king clown. That being said, we have to be so much better at the end of games. We can't blow a 21-point lead with 12 minutes to go. However bad and biased and unfair and illegal and cheating the referees are, we have to be better closing games. So that's the way I feel."
Buford released a statement saying he was "unprofessional" and "embarrassed" while apologizing to the fans and referee Matt Rafferty:
General manager Dave Dean also released a statement saying, "We're aware of what happened with Herd Head Coach Chase Buford after our game today. We're discussing the situation internally and the appropriate discipline for Coach Buford. We will have an announcement Monday."
While Buford was furious with the officiating, his team was unable to stop a balanced attack from the Grand Rapids.
Four Drive players scored 18 or more points with Jordan Bone (28 points and 11 assists) leading the way and Adam Woodbury (20 points and 10 rebounds), Louis King (20 points and 10 rebounds) and Tre'Shawn Thurman (18 points and 10 rebounds) providing key support.
