Kerr 'embarrassed' by blasting ref over controversial foul call
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr says he's "embarrassed" he lashed out at referee Bill Kennedy after a late foul by Jonathan Kuminga led to the game-winning free throws for the Houston Rockets in Wednesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal.
"I feel lousy I said what I said because (Bill Kennedy) doesn't deserve that," Kerr told reporters Saturday, per Danny Emerman of the Bay Area News Group.
Kerr called the loose-ball foul "unconscionable" and said an elementary school referee wouldn't have made the same decision.
While Kerr's opinion of the call hasn't changed, the former NBA Coach of the Year said he could've handled the situation better.
"I feel terrible. I'm embarrassed by it," Kerr said, according to Emerman. "Sometimes with these games, the emotion kicks in. You say things you regret. … Bill Kennedy is a great referee, been in this league a long time. I feel good when I walk into an arena and see Bill."
Kerr said he's heard from the league about his postgame criticism of the officiating. However, as of Saturday evening, the NBA hasn't fined him.