In a dramatic turn of events, Baylor basketball coach Scott Drew was ejected from Saturday's game against Iowa State, marking the first time in his coaching career that he received the hook. The ejection came as a result of Drew repeatedly lingering outside the coaching box and engaging in excessive protesting towards the officials.

The controversy surrounding Drew's ejection stems from a memo issued by the Big 12 conference in mid-January, addressing the issue of coaches leaving the coaching box and encroaching onto the court during games. The memo, sent by Big 12 coordinator of officials Curtis Shaw, emphasized the importance of bench decorum and warned that crews who did not handle these situations would be penalized.

Lead official Jeb Hartness, known for being strict in enforcing the rules, made the decision to eject Drew after he repeatedly violated the coaching box rule and engaged in protest towards the officials. The ejection left Baylor's athletic director, Mack Rhoades, incensed, leading him to publicly criticize the officiating in the postgame press conference, calling it an embarrassment for the league.

However, the Big 12 office responded to Rhoades' comments by fining him $25,000 and issuing a public reprimand. This incident has highlighted the intensified focus on bench decorum and accountability in the conference, as the Big 12 has implemented a formal process of grading its officials for the first time this season.

The ejection of a coach as respected and congenial as Scott Drew has raised questions about the strict enforcement of the coaching box rule and its impact on the game. Some coaches within the Big 12 have expressed concerns about the increased scrutiny and potential repercussions for minor infractions.

While the incident has sparked controversy, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining proper bench decorum and following the rules set by the conference. As the Big 12 aims to improve its officiating and ensure fair play, coaches and players alike will need to adhere to these guidelines to avoid penalties and maintain the integrity of the game.

Moving forward, it remains to be seen how the Big 12 conference will handle similar situations and how coaches will adjust their behavior on the sidelines. The incident involving Scott Drew serves as a wake-up call for all coaches in the conference to be mindful of their actions during games and to respect the boundaries set by the league.

Overall, this ejection has brought attention to the ongoing efforts to improve officiating and maintain decorum in the Big 12 conference, reflecting the league's commitment to fair play and professionalism.