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Metcalf offers formal apology for championship actions
The University of Iowa announced that junior Brent Metcalf has apologized for his actions, following the 149-pound final of the NCAA Wrestling Championships at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis last weekend.During a celebration by North Carolina State's Darrion Caldwell, which began before the final seconds ticked off the clock, Metcalf shoved Caldwell while in mid-air during a back flip on the edge of the mat, causing Caldwell to land on his back and the Hawkeyes to lose a team point. It occurred after Caldwell's stunning 11-6 win and had drawn some what I consider unfair criticism."I would like to extend an apology to Darrion Caldwell, his family, the NCAA and the wrestling community for my actions in the NCAA title match," Metcalf said in a news release. "I certainly had no malicious intent. With five seconds left in the match, I was attempting to finish to the end, as I've always been trained to do. In a split second after the whistle, my momentum carried me into Darrion's celebratory back flip. My reaction was a result of self defense and partly, frustration. I want to extend my congratulations to Darrion for his championship." Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta also responded to the situation involving the 2008 NCAA national champion."Brent has taken this situation seriously from the beginning," Barta said in the same release. "I'm satisfied with the manner and sincerity with which he's handled it. He is a tremendous student-athlete and has been a terrific role model on the mat, in the classroom and in the community. I look forward to his 2009-10 season and his quest to earn another national championship."See the official University of Iowa press release I think the event looked a lot more violent than it actually was, and many overreacted to what happened (Even those not in attendance). The formal apology shows that Metcalf takes to heart his influence on younger athletes and how his actions reflect on Iowa. He certainly didn't need to apologize, but showed a lot of class by offering it.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NgyIsO3Rlg]
Brent Metcalf, two-time NCAA finalist
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