NCAA Secretary Rules-Editor Vickie Van Kleeck answered questions from a pool reporter on Friday night after the UCLA/Florida game, specifically clarifying the circumstances surrounding the ejection of Florida head coach Tim Walton.
“He was ejected because he came and was questioning the strike zone, and he received a warning and he continued to argue and threw his clipboard down. He was ejected for Rule 13.8.4, which is part of the verbal misconduct rule, which is questioning the strike zone,” Van Kleeck told the pool reporter.
Whether a mistake in speech on the part of Van Kleeck or something else, that explanation is, at least in part, false – Walton’s clipboard-throw did happen, but only after he had already been ejected by home plate umpire Brandon Bluhm. That incident would have had no bearing on the decision to eject Walton, as it did not happen until after he had been given the ‘hook’.
Walton did receive a warning early in the game and many voices on the Florida side – from the dugout, field of play, and even the stands – were loud and frequent in their criticism of Bluhm’s strike zone.
Tensions nearly boiled over in the fourth inning after Florida shortstop Sophia Reynoso made an impressive, over-the-shoulder catch in foul territory down the left field line. UCLA freshman Aaliyah Jordan tagged from third base, taking advantage of Reynoso’s awkward positioning and attempting to score. The relay throw came in to the plate and Florida catcher Janell Wheaton appeared to put the tag on Jordan. However, Bluhm called Jordan safe with a run scored.
Continuing speaking on Walton’s ejection, Van Kleeck noted that Walton did not make contact with third base umpire Naomi Erdahl. Erdahl attempted to intervene and step between Walton and Bluhm following Walton’s ejection and replay appeared to show that she and Walton may have made incidental contact at that point, which would have been potential grounds for a suspension. However, in confirming that he did not, Van Kleeck also confirmed that Walton will be eligible to coach the Gators in their elimination game on Saturday night.
