ESPN assigns Dakich to Iowa-Wisconsin

IOWA CITY - ESPN media personality Dan Dakich is assigned to broadcast Iowa's men's basketball game Saturday against No. 5 Wisconsin, according to an ESPN news release.

Dakich, a former Indiana player, assistant and interim coach, called Iowa center Adam Woodbury 'gutless” and 'cowardly” while broadcasting last week's Iowa-Wisconsin game in Madison. Dakich also said the Big Ten Conference should suspend Woodbury, after the junior's fingers twice poked the eyes of Wisconsin players. Woodbury apologized for the actions but called his actions accidental.

Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery demanded Dakich apologize for his comments and called the broadcaster's comments 'out of line.” Dakich offered no apology for his remarks in neither subsequent interviews nor his radio show. Dakich said he attempted to call McCaffery but his call was not returned.

Veteran play-by-play broadcaster Bob Wischusen will join Dakich on the broadcast. The pair usually to call ESPN's top Big Ten game on Saturday afternoons.

Dakich is no stranger to controversy in the Iowa market, from his strong defense of former Indiana teammate and ex-Iowa coach Steve Alford to his honest and opinionated broadcasting style. According to the Associated Press, Lt. Kelly Hindman, district commander of Post 7 in Fort Dodge, wrote on his Facebook page that he wished 'there was a sniper at Carver Hawkeye (Arena) to shoot the color commentator in the head ... cause he is driving me nuts.” The Iowa Department of Public Safety since has launched an investigation, and Hindman called Dakich to apologize. On his Indianapolis-based radio show last week, Dakich said he accepted Hindman's apology and hopes the trooper remains employed.

The fifth-ranked and Big Ten-leading Badgers (18-2, 6-1) beat Iowa (13-7, 4-3) 82-50 last week.

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