Sports

College Basketball Coaches Nearly Throw Hands During Full-Blown Temper Tantrum Over Harmless Gaze

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KT Turner Arlington Liberty Meltdown
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KT Turner did not appreciate how Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay looked at one of his UT Arlington players during Saturday’s college basketball game in Lynchburg. His initial gripe quickly escalated to a full-blown meltdown that ultimately led to a pair of technical fouls.

It was a bizarre sequence of events that stemmed from a seemingly harmless behavior.

Although its 6-7 record does not indicate great success, the Mavericks are really good this year. UT Arlington could be an NCAA Tournament team out of the WAC. However, Turner’s team got more than it could handle during a 79-56 loss to the Flames.

Not only did the 46-year-old lose the game, he also lost his temper. Perhaps it was an attempt to light a fire under his players. Perhaps it was much ado about nothing. Either way, what happened was unusual.

Turner started chirping at McKay during a stoppage of play and needed to be held back. He could be heard yelling something like: “Don’t look at my player like that.” McKay walked over and tried to extend an olive branch. Turner rejected the peace offering. They had to be separated before they came to blows.

Upon further review, it seemed as though a Mavericks player might’ve committed a foul on the initial in-bounds play. McKay might’ve asked the officials for a call and pointed at the culprit. Turner lost his cool.

Both coaches were assessed a technical foul after a lengthy deliberation. KT Turner definitely deserved one. Ritchie McKay was caught in the crossfire.

Fortunately, Liberty was already in a position that nullified the questionable decision to give both coaches a technical. The Flames went on to win the college basketball game by 23. UT Arlington dropped to below .500 on the season and Turner was left to sit with his rage on the long trip home to Texas.