ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference announced today Iowa football student-athlete Nico Ragaini has been issued a public reprimand for violating the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy following his comments regarding officiating in reference to the September 9, 2023, football game against Iowa State.

Big Ten Conference Agreement 10.01 states in part that “The Big Ten Conference expects all contests involving a member institution to be conducted without compromise to any fundamental element of sportsmanship. Such fundamental elements include integrity of the competition, civility toward all, and respect, particularly toward opponents and officials.”

The Big Ten Conference considers this matter concluded.

Ragaini issued an apology for his comments Wednesday afternoon.

“I want to apologize for my public criticism of Saturday’s officiating. I am a competitive person and player. My comments reflected my passion for the game, and I apologize for my choice of language.”

Ragaini was upset about a play in which he was on the receiving end of a pass from Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara. The pass instead was intercepted, but Ragaini felt there was interference on the play before the interception had occurred.

He also used an obscenity when voicing his frustration to the media on Tuesday.