Green Bay Coach Doug Gottlieb Suspended for Fiery Rant

Gottlieb will miss Friday's game against Oakland after criticizing officials in a postgame outburst.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 9:47am

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Green Bay head coach Doug Gottlieb has been suspended for one game by the Horizon League following an emotional outburst in which he ripped officials after a recent game. Gottlieb took to social media to apologize for his disparaging comments, but the university has expressed disagreement with the suspension, stating that a reprimand or public censure would have been more appropriate.

Why it matters

Gottlieb's suspension highlights the ongoing tensions between coaches, officials, and league administrators in college basketball. The incident raises questions about the appropriate ways for coaches to voice concerns and the balance between holding officials accountable and maintaining sportsmanship.

The details

In the closing seconds of Green Bay's 75-72 loss to Milwaukee on Sunday, Gottlieb was upset that a foul was not called on a play where a Milwaukee player grabbed the ball from a Green Bay player. Gottlieb also took issue with receiving a technical foul earlier in the game, arguing that he did not curse or leave the coaching box. The Horizon League cited Gottlieb's "violating the league's operating regulations" and "comments that do not reflect the league's values or sportsmanship expectations" as the reasons for the suspension.

  • On Sunday, Gottlieb had his emotional outburst following Green Bay's 75-72 loss to Milwaukee.
  • On Wednesday, the Horizon League announced Gottlieb's one-game suspension for the incident.

The players

Doug Gottlieb

The head coach of the Green Bay men's basketball team, who is in his second season with the program after a previous 4-28 record in his first year.

Jill Bodensteiner

The commissioner of the Horizon League, who Gottlieb called on to explain the technical foul he received.

Michael Alexander

The chancellor of Green Bay, who released a statement disagreeing with Gottlieb's suspension.

Josh Moon

The athletic director of Green Bay, who also released a statement disagreeing with Gottlieb's suspension.

Kerry Rupp

The assistant coach who will serve as the acting head coach for Green Bay during Gottlieb's suspension.

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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 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, 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 more appropriate.”

— Michael Alexander, Chancellor

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.