Big Ten Chief Kicks Bo on His Way Out : College football: Commissioner scolds Michigan coach for criticizing official.

Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany today publicly reprimanded former Michigan football Coach Bo Schembechler for comments critical of officiating after the 17-10 loss to USC in the Rose Bowl game.

“Coach Schembechler’s recent retirement from coaching after a legendary career makes this decision difficult,” Delany said in a statement issued from the Big Ten’s headquarters in suburban Schaumburg.

“However, the compelling need to support standards of sportsmanlike conduct and upholding the principle of consistent application of conference regulations requires this decision.”

The statement said Schembechler was “unduly critical of a game official.”

Schembechler was critical of a call that proved costly to the Wolverines. They tried a fake punt that went for a first down, but Michigan linebacker Bobby Abrams was called for holding to nullify the play.

“The one thing I won’t miss in retirement is incompetent officiating,” said Schembechler after the game, directing his remarks to Pac-10 line judge Charles Czubin.

Schembechler announced his retirement as football coach before the Rose Bowl game. Later he resigned as Michigan’s athletic director to become president and chief operating officer of the Detroit Tigers baseball team.

Schembechler could not immediately be reached today at Michigan or the Tigers’ offices.

Schembechler, 60, had a 234-65-8 record as head coach at Miami of Ohio and Michigan.