Dan Hurley Explains Away Headbutt, But Referee Roger Ayers Won’t Call Final Four

Sports Illustrated • March 31, 2026 • sports

Key Points:

UConn coach Dan Hurley explained that his headbutt with referee Roger Ayers after a key shot was a friendly, celebratory gesture rather than a confrontational one, describing Ayers as a "cool ass ref."
Hurley emphasized that their interaction was positive, noting they had shared jokes and mutual respect throughout the game, and that Ayers was simply reminding him there was still time left on the clock.
Despite this friendly moment, Hurley acknowledged that he sometimes crosses the line with officials, contrasting this incident with a more intense confrontation he had at Marquette.
Roger Ayers, a highly respected referee with seven Final Four appearances, will not be officiating in this year's Final Four, breaking a four-year streak that included multiple UConn games.
UConn will face Illinois in the Final Four on Saturday night, continuing their pursuit of the championship without Ayers on the officiating crew.

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