Pac-12 In Ref Bounty Scandal

CBS Sports’ Jeff Goodman reported Monday that Pac-12 Coordinator of Officials Ed Rush told referees he would give $5,000 or a trip to Cancun to anyone who “rang him up” (technical foul) or “ran” (ejected) Arizona Wildcats coach Sean Miller during last month’s conference basketball tournament. According to an anonymous ref, the comments were made in a Thursday meeting and reiterated Friday morning, and that Rush “made that perfectly clear.” Late in the semifinal game against UCLA, Miller was given a tech for arguing a double-dribble, his only tech in the entire 2012-13 season. UCLA’s Jordan Adams made both free throws, and Arizona lost 66-64. Commissioner Larry Scott said the league did investigate, but said the comments were “in jest” and the Pac-12 considers the matter closed. Ed Rush took over the officiating job in 2012. He was previously head of officials for the NBA from 1998-2003.

Read Goodman’s report at CBS Sports and watch video.