Pac-12 releases statement regarding Arizona State vs. Wisconsin game

The following is a press release sent out by the Pac-12 with regards to the ending of Arizona State’s 32-30 win over Wisconsin.

Walnut Creek, Calif. — Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott has reprimanded and taken additional sanctions against officials in Saturday night’s Wisconsin at Arizona State game for failing to properly administer the end of game situation and act with appropriate urgency on the game’s final play, it was announced today.

With 18 seconds remaining in the game, Wisconsin’s quarterback ran the ball toward the center of the field, touched his knee to the ground and then placed the ball on the ground. There was initial uncertainty over whether the quarterback had taken a knee, given himself up or fumbled the ball. As a result several Arizona State players considered the ball live and a fumble, and attempted to recover the ball.

Neither the referee nor anyone on his crew moved with appropriate urgency to clearly communicate that the ball was to be spotted so play could resume promptly.

“This was an unusual situation to end the game,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott. “After a thorough review, we have determined that the officials fell short of the high standard in which Pac-12 games should be managed. We will continue to work with all our officials to ensure this type of situation never occurs again.”

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