Green Bay Coach Doug Gottlieb Suspended 1 Game for Criticizing Officiating

Gottlieb slammed the table and used an expletive in his postgame comments after a loss to Milwaukee.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Green Bay men's basketball coach Doug Gottlieb was suspended one game by the Horizon League for comments he made criticizing the officiating after his team's 75-72 loss to Milwaukee last Sunday. Gottlieb slammed the table and used an expletive in his postgame news conference while complaining about what he perceived as inconsistency in the officiating.

Why it matters

Coaches criticizing officials is not uncommon, but the Horizon League deemed Gottlieb's comments unacceptable and a violation of the league's values and sportsmanship expectations. The suspension highlights the challenges officials face and the need for coaches to maintain composure, even in emotional moments.

The details

In the closing seconds of the game, Milwaukee's Stevie Elam stole the ball from Green Bay's Preston Ruedinger, who was driving to the basket. Elam then made two free throws with 1 second left to seal the win for Milwaukee. Green Bay believed a foul should have been called on Ruedinger's drive, similar to a previous possession where Milwaukee's Amar Augillard drove to the basket and was awarded two free throws. Overall, Milwaukee went 30-of-37 from the free-throw line, while Green Bay was 14-of-18.

  • On February 18, 2026, the Horizon League announced Doug Gottlieb's one-game suspension.
  • The suspension will take effect on February 24, 2026, when Green Bay visits Oakland.

The players

Doug Gottlieb

The head coach of the Green Bay men's basketball team who was suspended one game by the Horizon League for his critical comments about the officiating.

Stevie Elam

The Milwaukee player who stole the ball from Green Bay's Preston Ruedinger in the closing seconds and made two free throws to seal the win for Milwaukee.

Amar Augillard

The Milwaukee player who drove to the basket, drew a foul, and made two free throws to put Milwaukee ahead late in the game against Green Bay.

Preston Ruedinger

The Green Bay player who was driving to the basket when Stevie Elam stole the ball from him in the closing seconds.

Kerry Rupp

The Green Bay assistant coach who will be the acting head coach for the team's game against Oakland on February 24, 2026 while Doug Gottlieb serves his suspension.

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What they’re saying

“Gottlieb's postgame comments do not reflect the League's values or sportsmanship expectations. The Horizon League considers this matter closed and will have no further comment.”

— Horizon League

“I'd like to apologize to the Horizon League and the officials for my disparaging comments following Sunday's game. I understand and appreciate how difficult their job is, and respect what they do for the sport of basketball. I will be better moving forward.”

— Doug Gottlieb, Green Bay Head Coach

“We have talked to Coach Gottlieb about the comments he made following Sunday's game. We appreciate his apology and respect the commissioner's decision, however, we do not believe his actions warrant a suspension. We feel a reprimand or public censure would have been appropriate.”

— Michael Alexander and Josh Moon, Green Bay Chancellor and Athletic Director

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.