Green Bay Coach Suspended for Criticizing Refs

Gottlieb faces consequences for comments following loss to rival Milwaukee

Feb. 22, 2026 at 11:07pm

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Wisconsin-Green Bay men's basketball coach Doug Gottlieb was suspended for one game by the Horizon League for criticizing officials after a 75-72 loss to Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Sunday. Gottlieb called out the officials for not calling the game consistently, believing the Phoenix deserved a foul call when Milwaukee's Stevie Elam stole the ball from Preston Ruedinger in the final seconds.

Why it matters

Coaches criticizing referees is a common occurrence in college basketball, but the Horizon League took action against Gottlieb, citing his comments as not reflecting the league's "values or sportsmanship expectations." This suspension highlights the fine line coaches must walk when voicing frustrations with officiating decisions.

The details

Gottlieb was called for a technical foul during the loss to Green Bay's rival. He believed the Phoenix should have been awarded a foul when Milwaukee's Stevie Elam stole the ball from Preston Ruedinger in the final seconds. Instead, Elam hit two free throws to give Milwaukee a 73-72 lead, which they held on to win the game.

  • On Sunday, Gottlieb's Green Bay team lost 75-72 to Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
  • After the game, Gottlieb criticized the officials for not calling the game consistently.

The players

Doug Gottlieb

The head coach of the Wisconsin-Green Bay men's basketball team, known for his outspoken commentary as a former national radio show host.

Stevie Elam

A player for Wisconsin-Milwaukee who stole the ball from Green Bay's Preston Ruedinger in the final seconds and hit two free throws to give Milwaukee a 73-72 lead.

Preston Ruedinger

A player for Wisconsin-Green Bay who had the ball stolen from him by Milwaukee's Stevie Elam in the final seconds of the game.

Jill Bodensteiner

The new commissioner of the Horizon League, who suspended Gottlieb for his postgame comments.

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What they’re saying

“I need the league to explain to me why I got a technical foul when I did not curse. I was not demonstrative. I did not leave my box. All I said was, 'That's the same play as the other end.' Okay. All we ask is that there's a fair game.”

— Doug Gottlieb, Head Coach, Wisconsin-Green Bay

“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.”

— Jill Bodensteiner, Commissioner, Horizon League

What’s next

The Horizon League has suspended Gottlieb for Green Bay's contest against Oakland on Friday.

The takeaway

This suspension highlights the delicate balance coaches must strike when voicing frustrations with officiating decisions. While passionate commentary is often expected from coaches, the Horizon League determined Gottlieb's remarks crossed the line and did not align with the league's values of sportsmanship.