Seton Hall's Gibbs punches 'Nova foe in face; changes tune on Twitter
It's a common cliché in coaching: Regardless of the score, you never stop fighting.
Unfortunately for Villanova's Ryan Arcidiacono, Seton Hall's Sterling Gibbs took that message a little too literally late in the second half of Monday night's 80-54 blowout win by the No. 6 Wildcats. But it seems clear it will be Gibbs and the Pirates who ultimately pay the bigger price.
With Villanova ahead 71-45 and less than five minutes to play in the Big East game in Pennsylvania, Arcidiacono and Gibbs got tangled going for a loose ball. After Gibbs got to his feet, he gave Arcidiacono a forearm shiver to the face, earning a flagrant foul and ejection for the play.
You can see the play in full in the video above.
Following the game, Gibbs apologized on Twitter.
Man that's not who I am. I'm sorry to my family, friends, fans, and team for being an embarrassment. Even more sorry to @RyArch15 .. I let
— Sterling Gibbs (@SterlingGibbs4) February 17, 2015
Sorry again @RyArch15 it really is weighing heavy on my heart.
— Sterling Gibbs (@SterlingGibbs4) February 17, 2015
Arcidiacono responded shortly after.
Emotions sometimes get the best of us. heat of the moment thing. We're all good. @SterlingGibbs4
— Ryan Arcidiacono (@RyArch15) February 17, 2015
FOX Sports wouldn't be surprised if Gibbs is disciplined by either the league or Seton Hall. Pirates coach Kevin Willard issued the following statement after the game:
"I am extremely disappointed in Sterling's actions tonight. Our student-athletes are entrusted to uphold the morals and values of good sportsmanship and personal conduct that we preach to them on a daily basis. Tonight's incident involved a young man of high character showing poor judgment in the heat of competition. It was regrettable, and we will address the issue."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
