Replay Official Is Granted a Leave

Gordon Riese, the Pacific 10 Conference replay official who acknowledged making errors in the last minute of Saturday’s Oregon-Oklahoma game, has been granted a leave of absence for the rest of this season.

“Gordon Riese had a distinguished 28-year career as a Pac-10 official and, with the exception of Saturday, had done a fine job as a replay official,” Pac-10 Commissioner Tom Hansen said in a statement. “He is an individual with impeccable officiating credentials and unquestioned integrity. We look forward to his return next season.”

It was also announced that Roger Judd, who assisted Riese in the Oregon-Oklahoma replay booth, also would not return this season.

The 64-year-old Riese told the Associated Press earlier this week he received death threats after Saturday’s game, a controversial 34-33 win for Oregon in Eugene.

“I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, my blood pressure is skyrocketing,” Riese said.

Riese, who lives in Portland, said he was no longer answering his phone and could not be reached for further comment Wednesday.

The Pac-10 suspended the officials’ crew and replay staff for what it called critical mistakes that affected the outcome of Saturday’s game. Specifically, the Pac-10 said an onside kick by Oregon in the final minute was touched by a Ducks player before it traveled the required 10 yards and that the ball should have been awarded to Oklahoma.

But the field officials ruled it Oregon’s ball and the decision was upheld by Riese after review. Oregon kept possession and scored the game-winning touchdown.

“I feel so bad I missed the call, it’s driving me crazy,” Riese said.

Riese retired as a Pac-10 official two years ago.

chris.dufresne@latimes.com