Big Ten Issues Public Reprimand for Iowa Football Player Nico Ragaini

Iowa wide receiver Nico Ragaini was publicly reprimanded by the Big Ten following a profanity-laden remark he made to reporters on Tuesday. Ragaini is in his sixth-year playing for the Hawkeyes and Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The Big Ten conference has publicly reprimanded Nico Ragaini, a sixth-year wide receiver for coach Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

The reprimand was issued as a result of what Ragaini told reporters on Tuesday following the Hawkeyes' 20-13 win over rival Iowa State on Sept. 9. 

"“Was that pass interference? I feel like, what’s the NCAA or Big Ten going to fine me if I say that’s a horse*s*** f****** call?" Ragaini said. "I shouldn’t have dropped the F-bomb in there, but god damn.”

Well Ragaini asked, and it was answered. There was no fine levied against the Iowa wide receiver, but instead, the Big Ten publicly scolded him, and essentially forced the Ragaini to later issue an apology. 

From the Big Ten and Nico Ragaini: pic.twitter.com/oR94BuS0Kk

— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) September 13, 2023

“The Big Ten Conference expects all contests involving a member institution to be conducted without compromise to any fundamental element of sportsmanship," the conference said in its public reprimand of Ragaini, referencing Big Ten conference agreement 10.01.

"Such fundamental elements include integrity of the competition, civility toward all, and respect, particularly toward opponents and officials.”

In response to the Big Ten's reprimand, Ragaini issued the following statement:

"I want to apologize for my public criticism of Saturday's officiating," Ragaini said. "I am a competitive person and player. My comments reflected my passion for the game, and I apologize for my choice of language."

The conference said that it considers the issue with Ragaini settled, and that no further action should be expected. Ragaini and the Iowa Hawkeyes next take the field on Saturday against Western Michigan at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network. 

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