Ian Fitzsimmons may have to provide an explanation when he returns home.
During Wednesday night’s Texas Bowl, the ESPN announcer drew an interesting parallel to a furious Lane Kiffin.
Fitzsimmons stated, “There have been instances when my wife has yelled at me, as it appears to be right now.” “I am the official and Lane Kiffin is my wife.” The situation on the Ole Miss sideline is deteriorating rapidly. I have no idea why Lane Kiffin is so angry, but he is angrier than an agitated hornet.”
After the 42-25 loss to Texas Tech, Kiffin would divulge exactly what he was furious about. In the early fourth quarter melee, Kiffin accused a Red Raiders player of spitting on one of his players and maybe using a racist slur.
During the Texas Bowl, Ole Miss and Texas Tech players argued on ESPN/YouTube.
Texas Tech recovered after Dayton Wade fumbled the ball early in the fourth quarter for Ole Miss. There was pushing and shoving between players, and Jordan Watkins of Ole Miss was penalized for a personal foul.
Kiffin stated that the penalty should have been assessed to Texas Tech’s No. 11 player, Dimitri Moore, rather than Watkins, who wears No. 11 for Ole Miss.
“They announce our 11, who is Jordan Watkins, who was not in the fight; it was their 11 who was fighting 71 (Ole Miss lineman Jayden Williams), and everyone knew because their own coaches were hollering at the guy,” Kiffin said.
ESPN/YouTube: Lane Kiffin clashes with the officials at the Texas Bowl.
“There was a racist insult involved, but that’s not what we’re discussing; we’re talking about the spitting. I presented our own 71 to the officials, correct or wrong, do you observe him weeping? He is not crying because he was spat at; he is crying because something was said.
Kiffin responded that he was unsure if a Texas Tech player used a racial slur at one of his players.
Kiffin stated, “Because I did not hear it, I cannot confirm that he used a racist slur against one of our players.” “I was informed that was spoken during the incident, but I did not hear it. Consequently, this would be an enormous concern.”
Moore and Williams both identify as Black.
Kiffin stated that he became so agitated during the game because he did not think it was fair that his player received a penalty that clearly should have been on another player.
“I will defend our players if a child spits on them and is implicated in front of a national audience,” Kiffin stated. Therefore, Jordan must cope with this.
Kiffin stated that he discussed the matter with Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire after the game, although McGuire was not asked about it
“If you look closely, you’ll notice that one of them is chuckling because he just got off,” Kiffin added. “He is yelling at the player, and they are losing their minds… I spoke with their head coach after the game, and he exclaimed, “Insane officiating!” I respond, “Yeah, that was awful on that play where your player spat and our player received a penalty.” “He replied, “Yeah, I know.”
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