Texas Tech AD calls JT Toppin's ejection 'egregious' after win - ESPN

The controversy surrounding the ejections of Texas Tech forward JT Toppin and coach Grant McCasland didn't end with the visiting Red Raiders' 82-81 overtime win over No. 6 Houston on Saturday.

Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt issued a statement shortly after the game, calling the decision «egregious» and saying he spoke with Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark about it.

«I am appalled and disappointed by the official's egregious decision to eject JT Toppin from tonight's game against Houston,» Hocutt said in a statement posted on X. «This decision, made on a play that was clearly accidental and without intent, is unacceptable.

»Immediately after the ejection, I spoke with Commissioner Yormark, who assured me that the situation would be addressed and there would be accountability. On behalf of Red Raider Nation, we are extremely proud of our team and the leadership of Coach McCasland."

Less than four minutes into the game, Toppin jumped and made a crosscourt pass to a teammate. While in the air, Toppin's leg made contact with Houston's Joseph Tugler. Though it appeared inadvertent, the officials reviewed the play and issued Toppin a flagrant foul 2, triggering an automatic ejection.

According to NCAA rules, a flagrant foul 2 is considered a «personal foul that involves contact with an opponent that is not only excessive but also severe (brutal, harsh, cruel) or extreme (dangerous, punishing) while the ball is live.» According to the rule book, officials should consider a number of factors when determining a Flagrant 2 foul, including «any contact by the offending player to the groin area of an opponent which is not clearly accidental.»

After the teams broke their respective huddles following the review, Toppin was