The NBA G League may not feature anywhere near the same level of competition as the NBA, but don’t tell that to Wisconsin Herd head coach Chase Buford.
Buford was furious with the officiating in his team’s loss to the Grand Rapids Drive on Sunday. We know this because the first-year coach treated reporters to a rant for the ages after the game, referring to referee Matt Rafferty as a “f–ing clown.” Buford also had a mad scientist look going with his hair, which made the meltdown that much more entertaining.
Early candidate for coaching rant of the year! Wisconsin Herd Head Coach Chase Buford after his team saw a 21-point lead disappear in the 4th quarter vs. Grand Rapids. And because he asked: @nbagleague pic.twitter.com/cw5t1lMSKI
— Ryan Rodig (@ryanrodigwfrv) February 24, 2020
“The officiating definitely went right for Grand Rapids,” Buford said. “That was as unprofessional of an officiating performance … and I hope you tweet this out and tag the league, because that was embarrassing.”
The Herd entered the fourth quarter up by 21, but they blew the lead when Grand Rapids outscored them 48-20 over the final 12 minutes and cruised to a 126-117 victory. Buford acknowledged that his team was partially responsible for not closing out the game, but his gripe was clearly with the officiating. He even used the word “cheating” on one point when talking about the referees.
Herd general manager Dave Dean later released a statement condemning Buford’s rant, and he said the coach will be disciplined internally. Buford also apologized in a statement of his own and said he was “embarrassed” by his behavior.
— Ryan Rodig (@ryanrodigwfrv) February 24, 2020
As we know, some of the best meltdowns we have ever seen on the baseball diamond have come from the minor leagues. Perhaps Buford is trying to establish the same type of reputation for the NBA G League.
