Green Bay Coach Doug Gottlieb Suspended After Fiery Ref Rant

Gottlieb criticized officials after a controversial call in a close loss to Milwaukee.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 8:39am

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Doug Gottlieb, the head coach of the Green Bay Phoenix men's basketball team, has been suspended by the Horizon League after a fiery postgame rant criticizing the game officials following a close loss to rival Milwaukee. Gottlieb slammed the table, blasted what he called inconsistent officiating, and questioned referee accountability during his outburst, which quickly went viral online.

Why it matters

Coaches publicly criticizing referees is a sensitive issue in college sports, as officials are often protected from direct criticism. Gottlieb's suspension sends a message that the league will not tolerate such public rebukes, even from high-profile coaches like the former sports radio personality.

The details

During Sunday's three-point loss to Milwaukee, tensions boiled over late in the game after a controversial whistle and a technical foul assessed to Gottlieb. In his postgame press conference, Gottlieb slammed the table, blasted what he called inconsistent officiating, and questioned why officials rarely face consequences for mistakes while players and coaches do.

  • On February 18, 2026, the Horizon League suspended Gottlieb for the upcoming game at Oakland.
  • On February 19, 2026, Gottlieb issued an apology, saying he 'understands how difficult their job is, and respects what they do for the sport of basketball.'

The players

Doug Gottlieb

The head coach of the Green Bay Phoenix men's basketball team, who previously built a national profile as a sports radio personality.

Horizon League

The NCAA Division I conference that suspended Gottlieb for his critical comments about the game officials.

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What they’re saying

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

— Doug Gottlieb, Head Coach, Green Bay Phoenix

“We do not believe his actions warrant a suspension. We feel a reprimand or public censure would have been appropriate.”

— Green Bay Athletics Department

What’s next

Gottlieb will miss the upcoming game at Oakland as part of his suspension from the Horizon League.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance coaches must strike when criticizing officiating, as leagues seek to protect the integrity of the game and the authority of referees. Gottlieb's suspension, despite his department's objections, demonstrates the Horizon League's commitment to maintaining professional standards of conduct from its coaches.