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The Big East will review Sterling Gibbs‘ punch of Ryan Arcidiacono’s head that resulted in a flagrant foul 2 during Villanova’s 80-54 rout of Seton Hall Monday night.
“These situation are always reviewed,” Big East spokesman John Paquette told SNY.tv.
Gibbs later apologized for the incident, Tweeting out, “Man that’s not who I am. I’m sorry to my family, friends, fans, and team for being an embarrassment. Even more sorry to @RyArch15 .. I let my emotions get the best of me and that wasn’t acceptable at all. I hope you’re alright and I will face any consequences coming”
He added: “Sorry again @RyArch15 it really is weighing heavy on my heart.”
Arcidiacono seemed cool with the apology, Tweeting, “Emotions sometimes get the best of us. heat of the moment thing. We’re all good. @SterlingGibbs4”
Pirates coach Kevin Willard seemed to indicate punishment was forthcoming.
“I am extremely disappointed in Sterling’s actions tonight,” he said in a statement. “Our student-athletes are entrusted to uphold the morals and values of good sportsmanship and personal conduct that we preach to them on a daily basis. Tonight’s incident involved a young man of high character showing poor judgment in the heat of competition. It was regrettable, and we will address the issue.”
Fox Sports analyst Kevin O’Neill, the former USC coach, called the shot to Arcidiacono’s head “inexcusable” and “not smart” and said Gibbs could miss time for his actions.
Seton Hall (15-11, 5-9 Big East) visits St. John’s on Saturday.
“That’s just a mistake he made in a really frustrated moment for his team and for everybody,” O’Neill said on air.
According to Jerry Carino of Gannett New Jersey, Arcidiacono said, “I thought it could have been one of my teammates going for the ball. It’s not a big deal.”
The Pirates, who last week lost sophomore guard Jaren Sina to transfer, have lost five straight and eight of 10.
Meantime, Mergin Sina, Jaren’s father, denied a report that racial tension within the Seton Hall locker room led to his son’s transfer.
“There was no racial tension between Jaren and the players, Seton Hall’s staff or any part of the community,” Mergin Sina told Carino.
Veteran New Jersey sportswriter Jim Hague wrote on his blog that racial tensions contributed to Sina’s departure.
“Sina felt like he was an outsider, getting called names because others felt he was getting favoritism from Willard, mentioning the color of Sina’s skin as the reason,” he wrote.
