Texas Tech AD Kirby Hocutt issues statement after ejection of JT Toppin in Houston win

Posted by author February 2, 2025 Basketball

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As the Texas Tech basketball team was wrapping up a big 82-81 road win over sixth-ranked Houston on Saturday, Texas Tech director of athletics Kirby Hocutt took to social media to address circumstances from earlier in the game.

The No. 19 Red Raiders lost both leading scorer and rebounder JT Toppin and head coach Grant McCasland at the 16:10 mark of the first half. Toppin was assessed a Flagrant 2 after inadvertantly kicking Joseph Tugler while making a crosscourt pass to Chance McMillian. Officials reviewed the play, which was not deemed a foul live, during the media timeout and decided the play warranted the ejection.

McCasland viewed replays of the call that led to his top player being forced to leave the game and took umbrage with it, yelling “He’s passing the ball.” The Tech head coach continued to argue with officials, being given two technicals and earning his own ejection.

Announcers for the game on ESPN2 voiced their disapproval of the call throughout the contest. Hocutt shared their sentiments and issued the following statement.

“I am appalled and disappointed by the official’s egregious decision to eject JT Toppin from tonight’s basketball game against Houston,” Hocutt’s statement reads. “This decision, made on a play that was clearly accidental and without intent, is unacceptable.

“Immediately after the ejection, I spoke with Commissioner (Brett) 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.”

After the Red Raiders finished off their win, McCasland had a semi-statement of his own, posting a picture of himself and Toppin in the locker room with the caption, “Toughest Team Wins.”