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Iowa State AD Jamie Pollard blasts Big 12 referees (Video)

Graham Watson

Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard took the podium following the Cyclones' 37-20 loss to Oklahoma State to blast the referees.

“We’ve been on the short end of some controversial calls and it’s hard to sit idle and watch ESPN, Fox, other announcers not debate, but to feel sorry for Iowa State because maybe there will be another apology for a call,” Pollard said. “Coach Rhoads and I have tried to deal with that internally and have tried to do it the right way. But it’s no longer fair to put our student-athletes, our coaching staff and our fans in that position.”

While Pollard didn’t specifically mention which call or calls he was protesting, the first half of the game did end on a controversial play. With the game tied 6-6, Oklahoma State running back Desmond Roland appeared to be stopped short on fourth-and-goal as time expired. However, after a review, the score counted and Iowa State went into the half with a touchdown deficit.

This isn’t the first time Iowa State has been on the short end of a questionable call.

Following the Sept. 6 loss to Kansas State, the Big 12 issued Iowa State an apology for a mishandled replay.

“We lost games as a result of calls that either we were apologized for or the media certainly felt we should have been apologized to,” Pollard said. “We can’t get that back. That ends careers for football coaches, ADs and presidents and so something’s got to be done. I don’t know what it is, but there needs to be more accountability on what happens in certain situations.”

Pollard noted that a year and a half ago, he and Rhoads “raised an issue” and represented the only vote regarding that matter. Pollard said since that time, “we’ve been on the short end of the stick.”

Conferences don’t allow members of teams to speak out against officials and Pollard acknowledged that he was going to get fined for his actions. However, he said he felt like the penalty was worth it.

“I felt it was appropriate to stand up here right now and stand behind our team, stand behind our coaching staff,” Pollard said. “And I recognize that the Big 12 does not allow comments to be made on officiating, and I recognize there’s penalties for that. But folks, our institution’s been penalized already.”

For more Iowa State news, visit CycloneReport.com.

For more Kansas State news, visit GoPowerCat.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!

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