The Coastal Athletics Association was publicly reprimanded North Carolina A&T men’s basketball coach Monte Ross The incident followed the Aggies’ Dec. 31 home loss to Northeastern, according to conference officials.
CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio said Ross violated the league’s sportsmanship policy at the end of the game. Northeastern pulls away for an 85-74 win at the Ellis Corbett Sports Center. With 25 seconds remaining, Ross was assessed a technical foul. After the final buzzer, the coaching staff were confronted as they left the field and again in the area near the locker rooms, the league said.
“I spoke with Coach Ross and let him know that his actions toward the game officials were unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” D’Antonio said. “Any further incidents during the remainder of the season will result in a more severe penalty.”
A reprimand falls short of a suspension or fine, but serves as a formal warning. Conference policy allows for increased discipline if similar behavior occurs again. The league has not imposed any additional punishments other than a reprimand at this time.
North Carolina A&T 0-2 in CAA play
The incident occurred during a competitive contest in which North Carolina A&T fought but struggled to close. The Aggies trailed by eight at halftime and were within striking distance in the second half before Northeastern used late free throws and transition baskets to extend the margin. The box score shows the technical foul occurred in the final seconds, matching the sequence described by the conference. NCAT is now 7-6 on the season, 3-1 against MEAC foes.
North Carolina A&T is in its third season in the CAA after moving through the Big South, and Ross emphasized building consistency during the league schedule. The conference said it expects coaches and programs to model sportsmanship, especially during stressful moments.
Neither Ross nor the university issued a separate statement immediately after the announcement.
