Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland could not believe JT Toppin was ejected from Saturday’s college basketball game against Houston. It was one of the worst calls of all-time, no hyperbole.
He also got thrown out of the contest after standing up for his star player!
The whole thing went down during the first four minutes of play when Toppin, the Red Raiders’ leading scorer, jumped into the air and threw a pass across the court. His right leg extended out as he chucked the ball to his teammate while in mid-air. As a result, his foot caught Cougars forward Joseph Tugler directly where the sun does not shine. It was very clearly not on purpose.
And yet, upon further review, Toppin was slapped with a Flagrant 2. He was subsequently removed from the college basketball game with more than 16 minutes remaining in the first half.
JT Toppin was just ejected for this play. Absolutely one of the worst calls I have ever seen. No hyperbole. pic.twitter.com/go2H0dYqii
— Seeing Scarlet (@SeeingScarlet_) February 1, 2025
Texas Tech’s radio team could not comprehend the decision.
In case anyone wants to hear Level unload on the officials after the horrible JT Toppin ejection. Can’t say I disagree with him. #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/lyg4i0bkcl
— Cam (@CameronSchmoker) February 2, 2025
Nor could McCasland. The second-year head coach lost his temper during Houston’s free throws. Officials determined that the outburst was worthy of a technical foul. They also threw him out of the game alongside Toppin.
— Rare Houston Fan (@Shastas_burner) February 2, 2025
Even though they were without their best player and head coach, the Red Raiders prevailed. They beat the sixth-ranked Cougars by one in overtime.
After the game, Grant McCasland explained why the decision to eject JT Toppin was outrageous. He did not lose his temper. Rather, he offered an easily digestible comparison to Patrick Mahomes.
Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland on ejection of JT Toppin and his disbelief over it. Manages to work in a Patrick Mahomes reference on being left handed. pic.twitter.com/qlTbQh3F6a
— Chris Baldwin (@ChrisYBaldwin) February 2, 2025
Most college basketball fans would agree that Toppin did not mean to kick his opponent in the groin. To issue a Flagrant 1 is one thing. Although that, too, would be unnecessary, it would’ve been much better than a completely overblown Flagrant 2 and an ejection. Big 12 officials completely overstepped and McCasland had his player’s back.