Skip to main content
Join Now
Team Avatar
Notre Dame

Micah Shrewsberry issues apology after charging official after Notre Dame loss to Cal

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax01/03/26BarkleyTruax

Notre Dame basketball head coach Micah Shrewsberry has issued an apology on Saturday following his actions at the end of the Irish’s 72-71 loss to Cal on Friday night. Shrewsberry charged at an official following a last-second call that he disagreed with.

“I want to apologize for what took place immediately after the Cal game last night,” the statement read. “My actions were inappropriate and not symbolic of the leader I strive to be and what Notre Dame expects of its coaches and educators. I will learn from this lack of judgement and be better in the future. I want to apologize to our team, our University and its leaders, to Coach Madsen and his team, and to the ACC, as my actions were unacceptable.”

In addition, the ACC has also released a statement on the situation. The conference publicly reprimanded Shrewsberry’s actions.

“The Atlantic Coast Conference has issued a public reprimand of Notre Dame men’s basketball head coach Micah Shrewsberry for violating the ACC Sportsmanship Policy following Notre Dame’s game against California on Friday, January 2,” the ACC’s statement read. “Shrewsberry aggressively confronted a member of the officiating crew following the game.

“The unsportsmanlike behavior that was displayed is unacceptable and tarnishes the on-court play between these institutions. The ACC considers this matter closed and will have no further comment.”

Shrewsberry’s displeasure stemmed from a made three-pointer that Cal’s Dai Dai Ames was fouled on. Before he went to the free throw line, the officials reversed the call and called the foul on the floor. After a quick discussion, it was switched back to the original call on the field.

That’s when Shrewsberry started arguing the call, and he charged at the referees at the end of the game. The ACC announced the public reprimand Saturday and said the matter is closed, meaning he will not receive a fine or suspension.

The loss dropped the Fighting Irish to 10-5 on the season, and will try to put the loss behind them after just over a week off. The next time Notre Dame men’s basketball will be on the court will be on Jan. 10 at home vs. Clemson, who is currently 11-3.