Mississippi State Coach Rick Ray Apologizes for Outburst Toward Marshall Henderson
by Bill DiFilippo / @bflip33
Mississippi State head coach Rick Ray has made headlines in recent days. Not for his team’s performance, but for an outburst toward star Ole Miss guard Marshall Henderson.
In the waning moments of the Bulldogs’ 82-63 loss to its in-state rival, Ray was caught on television apparently saying an obscenity in the direction of Henderson. The mercurial Rebel guard had a game-high 19 points.
From The Clarion Ledger:
“One of our rules in our program is don’t do anything to embarrass yourself, the basketball program, the university or your family,” Ray said. “Obviously I did that. So that’s something I’ve got to make sure I hold myself accountable, too.”
The Southeastern Conference reviewed Ray’s actions and will not discipline the coach. Ray’s actions in the aftermath of the game satisfied SEC commissioner Mike Slive.
“Like Commissioner Slive always says, our conversations will always be private,” Ray said.
Ray posted an apology on Instagram on Sunday. He also had a private conversation with Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy immediately after the game. He apologized to Henderson too.
While the Big 12 conference has said it will not discipline Ray, there is no word on whether or not Mississippi State will pass down any form of discipline against its coach.
