NEC reprimands Robert Morris coach Andy Toole, fines 2 officials

The Northeast Conference on Monday reprimanded Robert Morris men’s basketball coach Andy Toole for criticizing officials following the Colonials’ 72-71 loss Saturday to Fairleigh Dickinson, saying some of Toole’s postgame comments were “unacceptable” and “in clear violation of our sportsmanship policy.”

The league also reprimanded and imposed fines on two of the three officials working the game at UPMC Events Center but did not identify them.

The crew consisted of Joe Palacz, Jim Ostwalt and Adam Vandenburgh.

A statement Monday by NEC commissioner Noreen Morris acknowledged a call was missed near the end of the game, when Fairleigh Dickinson’s Kaleb Bishop ran into Robert Morris’ Josh Williams with 1.2 seconds remaining, sending the Colonials senior guard to the floor.

Jon Williams then fired a long pass that was caught near halfcourt by teammate Dante Treacy, who heaved a wild shot toward the Robert Morris basket as time expired.

“The NEC has high standards for our officials, coaches and student-athletes, and we hold them accountable when those standards are not met,” Morris said. “In this case, the officials did not perform up to our expectations, and the head coach’s response to their performance was unacceptable.

“With that said, both parties are being reprimanded. NEC policy prohibits the public criticism of officials by any institutional representative, including coaches, regardless of the circumstances.”

During a timeout after Bishop’s basket had given Fairleigh Dickinson its one-point lead, Toole said he alerted two of the officials of his intentions on the inbounds play to have Josh Williams set a screen while Williams’ brother Jon ran the baseline with the basketball.

With Robert Morris (15-12, 11-3) fighting for a top seed in the NEC Tournament with four regular-season games remaining, Toole told reporters after the game the blown call potentially cost the Colonials a chance at a seventh consecutive victory.

Robert Morris plays at St. Francis (Pa.) (17-8, 10-4) on Tuesday night.

“This is home-court advantage,” Toole said Saturday. “People are trying to win a championship, so they can host games in the NEC Tournament. So for guys to miss calls like that is just inexcusable.”

On Monday, Toole issued a statement following the NEC’s decision, saying the Colonials’ focus was on their next game.

“We’re looking forward to getting back to action (Tuesday) night with a big game against one of the most talented teams in the Northeast Conference in St. Francis,” Toole said. “Our focus right now is to finish the season strong and challenge for an NEC regular-season championship.”