The Big Ten publicly reprimanded Iowa wide receiver Nico Ragaini on Wednesday for violating the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy after blasting the officiating in the Hawkeyes’ 20-13 win at Iowa State on Saturday. The conference supplied the officials to the annual rivalry game, which was held at Jack Trice Stadium.
With the ball in the air, Ragaini was yanked down by his jersey by Iowa State defensive back Jeremiah Cooper, who then intercepted the pass thrown by Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara. The play took place late in the second quarter.
Ragaini spoke with reporters Tuesday, saying, “Was that pass interference? I feel like, what’s the NCAA or Big Ten going to fine me if I say that’s a horse-s— f—— call? I shouldn’t have dropped the F-bomb in there but God damn.”
Ragaini released a statement Wednesday apologizing for his remarks.
“I want to apologize for my public criticism of Saturday’s officiating,” Ragaini said. “I am a competitive person and player. My comments reflected my passion for the game, and I apologize for my choice of language.”
Ragaini is a sixth-year player at Iowa with 129 career catches for 1,398 yards.
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