University of Arkansas basketball Coach Nolan Richardson...

University of Arkansas basketball Coach Nolan Richardson says that as the first black coach in the Southwest Conference, he faces racially biased officiating on the basketball court.

“I’ve been in this business a long time and there have been some tough times,” Richardson told the Dallas Times Herald Tuesday. “Regardless of what some people say, there are still some people around who make it tough for you (if you’re black).”

Richardson last season took over the position vacated by Eddie Sutton, who went to Kentucky.

After last Wednesday’s loss to Texas in Austin, Richardson said, “This league isn’t ready for a black coach. I told my players I’m sorry I’m their coach. Right now I’m hurting their chances because of it.”

Paul Galvan, who as supervisor of SWC basketball officials assigns the referees who officiate league games, said criticism is inherent in officiating, but said Richardson’s allegations of racial bias are unfounded.

“I don’t think we are in a situation where officials are looking at black and white,” he said. “There are many black athletes, and it’s hard to think we would have people in college basketball that would let that enter into their decisions on the court.”