Calgary's Coach Nill apologizes for sideline incident

QUEBEC CITY – University of Calgary Dinos head coach Blake Nill apologized Monday for a verbal altercation with his son, Taylor Nill, early in the third quarter of Calgary’s 38-14 win over Saint Mary’s in the Uteck Bowl in Halifax.

“I overreacted, and I regret it,” said the coach. “It was a very emotional week and it carried through to the game. I let my emotions get the best of me.

“After the Lumbala touchdown, I felt that Taylor acted disrespectfully toward the Saint Mary’s program. I believe in several key values for my players, and one of them is that you always respect your opponent. When he came to the bench, I was upset and I overreacted. It was unprofessional, and I apologize to the team, our fans, the University of Calgary, CIS, my colleagues, and to parents across the country.”

Nill apologized to his son and the rest of the players at a team breakfast on Sunday in Halifax before departing for Vanier Cup week in Quebec City.

“Both of us are really competitive people,” said Taylor Nill, a first-year receiver. “It was a very intense, personal game for both of us and we both crossed the line.”

"We have discussed this incident with both Blake and Taylor," said Kevin Boyles, Director of Athletics. "Blake is one of the best coaches in the country, but we all agree that his actions in this instance were not in keeping with the high standards and professional conduct that is required from our Dinos coaches. We have a post-season program review process that we will initiate after the Vanier Cup, to ensure that this was an isolated incident, and to determine if any further action is required."

Source:

Ben Matchett
Sports Information Director
University of Calgary Dinos