Austin, Texas ? Texas Tech coach Mike Leach ripped game officials Saturday, suggesting the crew favored Texas, after the Longhorns beat the Red Raiders 59-43.
Without naming him, Leach noted that referee Randy Christal lives in Austin.
“I think it’s disturbing that Austin residents are involved in this. People work too hard, too long, there’s too much money invested in these games to allow that,” Leach said.
“Am I condemning the crew? Hell yeah, I’m condemning the crew,” Leach said.
Big 12 official spokesman Bob Burda did not immediately respond to telephone messages seeking comment. Leach’s rant will likely draw a fine from the league and possibly a suspension.
Leach was upset officials disallowed two Tech touchdowns in the third quarter. The first was overruled when video replay clearly showed the receiver let the ball hit the ground. On the next play, a touchdown pass was negated by a holding penalty. Leach also wanted, but didn’t get, a flag for roughing the quarterback.
“Unless this can change, the Big 12 Conference needs to take a serious look at having out-of -conference officials officiate the Texas Tech-Texas games and perhaps other games where there is proven to be a bias by officiating,” he said.