FSU coach Jimbo Fisher says officiating in fourth-quarter penalty sequence was 'garbage'
Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher was not over a questionable fourth-quarter low block call against his team in his postgame news conference following the Seminoles’ 37-34 loss to Clemson.
Fisher went ballistic when Florida State fullback Freddie Stevenson was called for a chop block on a 9-yard run by running back Dalvin Cook. His reaction (and that of the rest of those on the sideline) drew a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct on the FSU sideline and the two penalties ultimately forced Florida State to punt on the drive. From Warchant.com:
“It’s ridiculous. It’s not a chop. It was not a chop,” a still-irate Fisher said in his postgame press conference. “And I’m gonna tell you what: If you hold coaches accountable, players accountable, hold the damn officials accountable. It’s garbage. And then to call another penalty on the sideline is even more garbage. It’s cowardly, gutless and wrong.
“Now they can take it, fine it, do whatever they want to do with it. That’s a fact. Look at the film. It’s ridiculous that they’d do it.”
For his critical comments of officiating, Fisher was publicly reprimanded by the ACC for violating the league’s sportsmanship policy. Additionally, Florida State was issued a $20,000 institutional fine because of the violation.
The penalties came with Florida State leading 28-26 and approximately 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Stevenson’s helmet and shoulders were at the hip of the Clemson player he blocked. Cook’s run came on first down, so instead of second down with a yard to go, FSU ended up facing a first-and-25 at its own 10 after the two penalties. The Noles punted three plays later.
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The punt was downed at Clemson’s 48 and the Tigers subsequently kicked a field goal to take a 29-28 lead. After Florida State took a 34-29 lead, Clemson scored with 2:06 left to stay undefeated.
We’re guessing the ACC won’t be taking too kindly to Fisher’s remarks. We’ll see if there’s a punishment or reprimand handed down by the ACC this week.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
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