ACC disputes claim that Duke, FSU women used wrong-sized basketball

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The Atlantic Coast Conference issued a statement Friday morning disputing a claim made by Duke women's basketball coach Kara Lawson that a larger ball used for men's game was used during the first half of the Blue Devil's game against Florida State last week.

During a news conference following her team's win over Pittsburgh at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Thursday night, Lawson brought up the issue that she believes occurred during last Sunday night's 70-57 loss to Florida State. She said her Duke players complained to their coaches about the ball and that a change was made at halftime after staff pointed it out to game officials.

“We alerted the head official to come and look at it,” Lawson said Thursday night. “He came and looked at it, and he changed the ball. We then played the second half with a women’s ball. It’s been very frustrating that at this level of basketball, that a mistake like that happens that could have impacted the outcome of the game.”

The ACC released a statement Friday morning, stating its investigation could not determine if Lawson's allegations were true.

“Upon completion of the game, the conference office was made aware of the allegation and immediately conducted a comprehensive review,” the statement said. “This included discussion with all parties involved, including game officials, game administrators, table crew and both schools. Following the thorough and objective review process, there was no evidence found to support the claim.”

Lawson called the situation "embarrassing for our sport" and added the reverse situation would never happen in a men's game.

“My players don’t deserve that and neither do their players,” Lawson said. “It’s a complete failure. And you can figure out who the people I’m talking about that failed the sport in our players and both teams and the lack of accountability is striking. When you make a mistake, you own it and you own it right away. You don’t pass the buck. It’s what I teach my players every day. You make mistakes, you own them, you own them right away, and then you move forward. But the first thing you have to do is you have to admit that a mistake was made. I’m not perfect, but I admit when I make a mistake and a mistake was made here and it’s a big one.”

Lawson attempted to appeal the game's outcome but was overruled. Duke is 19-3 this season, including 9-2 in conference play.

“Per NCAA playing rules, there is no appeal or protest process,” the ACC statement said. “The conference continues to prioritize and support our nearly 10,000 student-athletes in a world-class manner and conduct its 27 sponsored sports with the utmost integrity. The conference office considers this matter to be closed and will have no further comment.”

One change, however, has been made. Lawson said the ACC will make sure during pregame meetings that team captains and officials will be asked to ensure the correct basketball is being used.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: ACC disputes claim that Duke, FSU women used wrong-sized basketball