Brian Ferentz apologizes for ‘unprofessional behavior’

IOWA CITY — Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz apologized for his 'unprofessional behavior' at halftime of the Minnesota-Iowa football game Saturday night and athletics director Gary Barta said the incident is 'resolved.'

Barta met with Ferentz on Tuesday and issued the following statement Wednesday:

'... I have had conversations with head coach Kirk Ferentz and offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz regarding the inappropriate language and display of emotion by Brian Saturday evening,' he said in the statement released through the Iowa sports information office. 'I have also been in contact and in coordination with the Big Ten throughout the process.

'My conversations have been productive and positive. We hold our administrative staff, coaches, and student-athletes to a very high level of professionalism. I am confident Brian has a complete understanding that his behavior Saturday was unacceptable as a role model for our team and coaching staff, and as a representative of the University of Iowa, and that it cannot be repeated. We have completed our process and consider the incident resolved.'

Brian Ferentz also issued a statement:

'I want to apologize to the members of the media and the replay officials for my unprofessional behavior during halftime of the Minnesota game Saturday night,' he said. 'My language was inappropriate and behavior was wrong. There is no excuse for my actions. I regret the negative attention this has brought to the program and the UI Athletic Department. I have sent a letter of apology to the replay official and have assured our head coach and athletic director I will hold myself to a higher level of professionalism.'

Iowa hosts Ohio State on Saturday with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m.