Texas Head Coach Mike White Issues Apologies Following Ejection

Texas head coach Mike White was ejected from the Longhorns’ game against Oklahoma State on Friday.

White was ejected between the first and second innings of his team’s tournament semifinal game against the rival Cowgirls. He was tossed by third-base umpire Naomi Erdahl.

Oklahoma State challenged two plays in the bottom of the first inning, both of which resulted in runs scoring for the Cowgirls after review. The first play saw replay review create an obstruction call that scored the Cowgirls’ first run of the day, then the second review covered a timing play and whether a runner scored before the third out of the inning was recorded.

Following the second review, White discussed the play with both Erdahl and home plate umpire Bubba Ewald. After the discussion, both coaches and umpires made their way to their posts, including White walking to the third-base coaches box to begin the second inning. As he walked to his position, he clapped very intently at Erdahl, who promptly ejected the Longhorns’ head coach from the game.

As he walked back to the dugout to leave the game, White turned back towards Erdahl and extended his middle finger toward her. The gesture was caught on ESPN’s cameras and aired live.

A condensed video clip of the sequence of events can be found here on Twitter.

After the game, White issued a statement of apology for his actions:

Today, I was ejected from the Big 12 Championship semifinal game versus Oklahoma State. I would like to apologize to everyone involved including the Big 12 Conference, Oklahoma State, my softball team and all Texas fans for my actions after being ejected.

Out of frustration I did something while leaving the field of play that I regret, and I hope that my apology will be accepted for my uncharacteristic indiscretion. I know that I have embarrassed the University of Texas, the Texas softball program and my athletic director Chris Del Conte, who have placed trust in me to lead this team in an honorable way. Today was certainly not the right way to conduct oneself during softball competition. I am an intense competitor by nature, and in the heat of the moment I made a rash decision which I truly regret.

Sincerely,

Mike White

Late on Saturday evening, the Big 12 Conference also chimed in, issuing what the league referred to as a “public reprimand” of White:

In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Policy, Commissioner Bob Bowlsby has issued a public reprimand of University of Texas head softball coach Mike White for his actions while exiting the field after his first inning ejection during today’s Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship semifinal game vs. Oklahoma State. 

“Coach White’s action was a clear violation of Sportsmanship expectations, and we accept his public apology,” Bowlsby said. 

And finally, on Saturday morning, White issued a second statement that included an apology to the umpiring crew:

I fully accept responsibility for the reprimand the Big 12 Conference issued for my actions in our game against Oklahoma State yesterday. As I said after the game, they were unacceptable, regrettable and reflected poorly on the Big 12 Conference, The University of Texas, my softball team and me personally. In addition to that statement, I also want to publicly apologize to the umpiring crew, that was calling the game, and specifically umpire Naomi Urdahl. My actions were not in accordance with those of a Head Coach who has the responsibility to conduct himself in a professional manner at all times.

Texas would go on to lose the game in a 6-1 final score.