BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) - California coach Mike Montgomery was reprimanded by the Pac-12 on Monday for shoving one of his own players in the chest during a game.
The conference did not announce what specific punishment Montgomery received for his actions Sunday night, although he will not be suspended.
"While emotions can run high in competitive environments, Pac-12 coaches are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will reflect credit on the institution and the conference," commissioner Larry Scott said. "Each Pac-12 coach must be aware that they are an example to student-athletes and other students, and consistent with this influence and visibility, must meet a particularly high standard."
The confrontation happened during a timeout early in the second half of Cal's 76-68 win over Southern California on Sunday night when Montgomery yelled at star guard Allen Crabbe for nonchalant play and then shoved him in the chest with both hands.
Montgomery downplayed the run-in immediately after the game but later issued an apology through the school. On Monday, he acknowledged he went too far trying to get his star player out of a funk.
"I made a mistake," he said in an interview with Pac-12 Networks.
Crabbe had to be restrained by teammates and briefly left the court before returning to lead a comeback win for the Golden Bears (16-9, 8-5 Pac-12).