At a Glance
- Micah Shrewsberry charged at a referee after a double call reversal cost Notre Dame the game
- The incident occurred on Jan. 2 following a controversial foul call in the final seconds
- Players and staff had to physically restrain the coach during the outburst
- Why it matters: The incident highlights the intense pressure on coaches and raises questions about potential disciplinary action
A dramatic scene unfolded at Haas Pavilion when Micah Shrewsberry, head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, charged at a referee following a controversial call that sealed his team’s defeat against the California Golden Bears.
The Controversial Final Play
The game’s final moments were marred by confusion after referees made a double call reversal on a three-point shot by Cal’s Dai Dai Ames. The play initially saw Ames draw a foul from Notre Dame’s Logan Imes, but officials overturned the call before reverting it back again.
This back-and-forth decision resulted in a four-point play for California, with Ames sinking the subsequent free throw to give the Golden Bears a 72-71 victory with just five seconds remaining on the clock.
The Coach’s Outburst
As the final buzzer sounded and Cal players celebrated their narrow victory, Shrewsberry rushed at the referee whose back was turned while exiting the court. Game footage captured the coach yelling and waving a towel at the official, his anger clearly visible.
Multiple members of the Notre Dame team intervened to prevent escalation:
- Two players physically restrained Shrewsberry, keeping their hands on him throughout the incident
- Coaching staff members stepped between the coach and referee
- Players eventually escorted him back to the bench with arms wrapped around him
The referee appeared confused by the commotion, turning his head to see what was happening behind him as he continued walking off the court.
Reactions and Aftermath
Mark Madsen, California’s head coach, addressed the controversial call in his post-game comments:
> “I thought there was a foul going up. They conversed a couple times, and they allowed it.”
Madsen acknowledged the emotional intensity of the moment:
> “There’s so much emotion in that gym – for the officials, for me, for the other team – but I was grateful Dai Dai rose up and made the shot. And I was grateful Dai Dai had the maturity and the huge presence of mind and the composure to knock down the free throw.”
Micah Shrewsberry declined to speak with reporters after the game, and no disciplinary action has been announced. A Notre Dame basketball spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment on the incident.
Key Takeaways
- The double call reversal on Dai Dai Ames’ three-pointer proved decisive in California’s 72-71 victory
- Micah Shrewsberry’s confrontation required intervention from multiple players and staff members
- The Jan. 2 incident marked a heated end to an already controversial finish
- No disciplinary action has been announced as of Jan. 3, though the incident may prompt review
The confrontation serves as a stark reminder of the intense emotions and high stakes involved in collegiate athletics, particularly when officiating decisions directly impact game outcomes.
