OVC suspends Edgar one game for radio tirade

~ Southeast men's basketball coach was punished for his post-game comments about the officiating in Thursday's loss.

Southeast Missouri State men's basketball coach Scott Edgar was upset enough with the officiating Thursday night to voice his displeasure in his post-game radio interview.

Because of that, Edgar will not be on the bench today when the Redhawks visit archrival Murray State for a 2 p.m. contest that will be televised nationally by ESPN2.

The Ohio Valley Conference on Friday issued a one-game suspension to Edgar for comments made following Southeast's fifth straight loss, 82-78 to visiting Morehead State.

"The core values of the Ohio Valley Conference are sportsmanship and ethical conduct, and as a result we hold our coaches, student-athletes and administrators to a high standard of conduct," OVC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said in a statement. "Coach Edgar's comments were not consistent with the principles outlined in the OVC's sportsmanship statement."

Southeast Missouri State coach Scott Edgar talked to his team during a timeout in Thursday night's 82-78 loss to Morehead State. (Kit Doyle)

Southeast was whistled for 31 fouls -- including a technical on Edgar and two intentional fouls -- while Morehead State was whistled for 24 fouls.

The Eagles shot 48 free throws compared to 28 for the Redhawks.

An emotional Edgar said during his post-game interview on the Southeast Radio Network: "It was absolutely pathetic. A team comes in and they shoot 48 free throws and we shoot 28. It was absolutely pathetic. I look forward to my phone call coming tomorrow from Dale Kelley [OVC men[']s basketball coordinator of officials] and from the commissioner.

"We go on the road and every time we touch somebody, we get called for fouls, OK? Now they need to understand I did not come and take over this program for this league to continue to run over my kids or this university.

"And when they want to call, they can call and they can warn Scott Edgar. Forty-eight to 28 is absolutely pathetic. Put it on the OVC sports network tonight."

Morehead State shot 16 free throws in the first half, while Southeast shot 13.

In the second half, the Eagles attempted 32 foul shots compared to 15 for the Redhawks.

Twelve of the Eagles' free throws came in the final 45 seconds as Southeast attempted a comeback from a 20-point deficit. The Redhawks got within two points, but fell short.

During OVC play, the Redhawks have attempted and made the second-most free throws among conference squads, although they only make 65.9 percent, which ranks seventh in the 11-team league.

Southeast is 180-of-273 from the charity stripe during its 11 OVC games.

Tennessee Tech has attempted the most free throws in league play (274). No other squad has attempted more than 251.

In a statement released through the university Friday, Edgar said: "I apologize for the postgame comments I made last night after the Morehead State game. I look forward to moving on and doing a better job following OVC guidelines."

Edgar said he would have no further comment.

Said Southeast athletic director Don Kaverman in a statement: "I would like to apologize to commissioner Steinbrecher, supervisor of men's basketball officials Dale Kelley, and the officials in our game last night versus Morehead State University for the comments made in the post-game interview by our head coach, Scott Edgar.

"We fully support the OVC policy concerning public criticism of game officials and concur with the actions taken by commissioner Steinbrecher in suspending coach Edgar for Saturday's game. Coach Edgar and I have discussed this situation and he has apologized for his comments."

According to the OVC office, in records dating back to 2004, only reprimands -- no suspensions -- have been issued to a basketball coach for comments criticizing officiating.

Edgar said through the university that assistant coaches Zac Roman, Rodney Hamilton and Ronnie Dean will handle the team today in his absence. Roman will be the lead coach because he was the scout coach for Murray State and helped develop the game plan.

Edgar did not accompany the Redhawks to Murray, Ky., on Friday.

Edgar could have been with them for much of their game preparation, as long as he complied with OVC regulations by being out of the Regional Special Events Center from 30 minutes prior to tipoff to 30 minutes following the game's conclusion.

Edgar will reportedly watch the national television broadcast of today's contest at his Cape Girardeau home.