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LINCOLN, Neb. -- Calling the hubbub over his apparent throat-slash motion toward an official "Gesture-gate," Nebraska coach Bill Callahan said he wasn't worried about possible disciplinary action.
"I don't think they're going to send me to Alcatraz," Callahan said Tuesday.
Callahan said he was surprised the issue has become so hot.
The state's two largest newspapers on Tuesday ran pictures of Callahan making a slashing motion across his throat with his right hand, index finger extended. The incident occurred after Callahan argued with referee Steve Usechek about no holding being called on Kejuan Jones' 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game. OU won 31-24.
Callahan on Monday denied that he made a throat-slashing gesture toward Usechek or any other official.
On Tuesday he acknowledged that he made a "gesture out of frustration," but that it wasn't a throat slash.
"I'm 49 years old, and I don't go around [making] throat-slashing signs and symbols," Callahan said. "I don't use that type of demeanor, and I never have. This is way blown out of proportion. I don't know where we get all these gang symbols and allegations. This is 'Gesture-gate' or something."
The gesture, he said, was one he makes toward his children when "I've had it up to here."
Callahan said he hasn't seen video or pictures of the incident. He said the game film he watches is one intended for coaches, and it does not include footage of the sideline.
Callahan said he spoke with Big 12 supervisor of officials Tim Millis on Monday night and assured him that there was no malicious intent toward any official.
Callahan pointed out that he was not flagged and that he was not aware of an official noting the incident in the game report. In college football, a throat-slashing gesture is a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty.
Millis did not immediately return a phone call left at his office Tuesday by The Associated Press.
Nebraska athletics director Steve Pederson said he has been asked by the Big 12 to look into the matter.
Conference rules require Pederson to report his findings, including disciplinary action, if any, taken against Callahan. Big 12 Commissioner Kevin Weiberg could accept Pederson's report or, if he sees fit, upgrade disciplinary action against Callahan.
Callahan said he was trying to make a point with officials during his sideline tirade.
"I'm going to fight for my team, for my players, and that's my prerogative as a head coach," Callahan said. "If I don't think something is right, if I think something is unjust, I'm going to speak up. I certainly did that on Saturday."
"I don't think they're going to send me to Alcatraz," Callahan said Tuesday.
Callahan said he was surprised the issue has become so hot.
The state's two largest newspapers on Tuesday ran pictures of Callahan making a slashing motion across his throat with his right hand, index finger extended. The incident occurred after Callahan argued with referee Steve Usechek about no holding being called on Kejuan Jones' 17-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game. OU won 31-24.
Callahan on Monday denied that he made a throat-slashing gesture toward Usechek or any other official.
On Tuesday he acknowledged that he made a "gesture out of frustration," but that it wasn't a throat slash.
"I'm 49 years old, and I don't go around [making] throat-slashing signs and symbols," Callahan said. "I don't use that type of demeanor, and I never have. This is way blown out of proportion. I don't know where we get all these gang symbols and allegations. This is 'Gesture-gate' or something."
The gesture, he said, was one he makes toward his children when "I've had it up to here."
Callahan said he hasn't seen video or pictures of the incident. He said the game film he watches is one intended for coaches, and it does not include footage of the sideline.
Callahan said he spoke with Big 12 supervisor of officials Tim Millis on Monday night and assured him that there was no malicious intent toward any official.
Callahan pointed out that he was not flagged and that he was not aware of an official noting the incident in the game report. In college football, a throat-slashing gesture is a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty.
Millis did not immediately return a phone call left at his office Tuesday by The Associated Press.
Nebraska athletics director Steve Pederson said he has been asked by the Big 12 to look into the matter.
Conference rules require Pederson to report his findings, including disciplinary action, if any, taken against Callahan. Big 12 Commissioner Kevin Weiberg could accept Pederson's report or, if he sees fit, upgrade disciplinary action against Callahan.
Callahan said he was trying to make a point with officials during his sideline tirade.
"I'm going to fight for my team, for my players, and that's my prerogative as a head coach," Callahan said. "If I don't think something is right, if I think something is unjust, I'm going to speak up. I certainly did that on Saturday."
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