Alaska Anchorage suspends coach for one game

Alaska Anchorage men’s basketball head coach Rusty Osborne will miss Saturday’s Great Northwest Athletic Conference game against Montana State Billings with a one-game suspension.

UAA athletic director Keith Hackett issued the suspension following Osborne’s actions in Thursday’s home game against Seattle Pacific. Osborne was issued two technical fouls in the last 2 minutes, 12 seconds of the game, resulting in his ejection.

Third-year assistant coach Cameron Turner will serve as acting coach for the MSUB game, which begins a 7 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex.

Osborne issued the following statement:

“On Thursday in an important conference game, I allowed my passion to affect the outcome. Our staff emphasizes the importance of valuing each possession and maintaining our composure during hard times, and I failed to demonstrate these important qualities. In an attempt to motivate our team, I allowed my passion to cross the line of acceptable behavior, which led directly to the team being penalized. I want to apologize to our players, staff, fans, opponents, and the entire UAA community. I have dedicated more than 22 years to help make UAA and Seawolf Athletics better institutions. On my return, I will strive to channel my passion for UAA in a more positive direction at all times.”

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