UND Play by Play Announcer Suspended

[Scott M]

North Dakota suspends Paul Ralston

ESPN News

Feb. 20, 2013

North Dakota has suspended men's basketball play-by-play radio announcer Paul Ralston for two games after he used the phrase "choke job" following an overtime loss to Northern Arizona.

The Grand Forks Herald reports that Ralston used the words during his interview with coach Brian Jones after the team's 74-72 home loss Saturday.

North Dakota led in the final minute of regulation, but Northern Arizona rallied to force overtime and win. North Dakota missed five free throws over the final four minutes of regulation.

Athletic director Brian Faison says Ralston will not call the game at Northern Colorado on Wednesday or Saturday's game at Nebraska-Omaha. Associate athletic director Kyle Doperalski will handle the play-by-play duties for those games.

Ralston will return to his play-by-play role on Feb. 28 against Portland State.

******************************************

"Fighting Sioux" is not offensive but "choke job" is? I'm lost.

[PierBridge]

You don't embarrass the coach like that even if there are only a handfull of listeners.

[Scott K]

I would hope he got suspended with pay, or there should be a law suit!

[rundrave]

They better hope this guy never gets a job with the gophers, it would lead to a lot of suspensions.