ACC statement on the Karl Hess shoes

Published Mar. 8, 2012 1:42 p.m. ET

foxsports

Official word has been released on the situation regarding Karl Hess and the shoes ACC Tournament officials have laced up.

The tournament officials wore the letters ‘KH’ taped to their black shoes during the Maryland-Wake Forest game at noon, presumably to commemorate Hess, who will not be officiating the tournament in Atlanta. But the initials’ brief presence at the tourney has come to an end.

Atlantic Coast Conference Supervisor of Officials John Clougherty released this statement on the matter:

“Karl Hess wanted to make sure that he did not take away from the ACC Tournament, its teams and the players; therefore, he made the decision not to participate this year. The officials, as a group, have agreed to respect Karl’s decision and will eliminate any further distraction from the tournament.”

The officials in the N.C. State-Boston College are no longer wearing the tape.

Hess found himself in the media spotlight earlier this season when he ejected former N.C. State players Tom Gugliotta and Chris Corchiani from a Wolfpack game against Florida State.