"Just an excuse for bad behavior": Dan Hurley bears the brunt from renowned sports analyst in front of a hundreds of fans

Count ESPN host Jay Bilas is among the growing number of people fed up with the sideline antics of Dan Hurley. The college basketball analyst blasted the UConn coach for his behavior during Saturday's episode of College Gameday held at Neville Arena.

Hurley grabbed the headlines for the wrong reasons on Tuesday when he berated a referee during the Huskies' overtime win over the Butler Bulldogs. Bilas shared his thoughts about the subject matter in front of hundreds of Auburn supporters, who agreed with his take that Hurley's treatment of officials has gone too far.

"That’s who he is. Be authentic and he’s competitive. Take Dan Hurley out if you say that about any coach. I think it’s just an excuse for bad behavior," Bilas said.

"My thing is more about the competitive advantage that is perceived by what they call ‘working officials’ or trying to influence officials. It’s not just when they cross the line once and lose their minds to get a technical and all that stuff."

"The referees can handle that. It’s the constant berating of officials throughout the game that fans think are influencing calls," Bilas said.

Bilas added that Hurley isn't the only one guilty of harassing referees in college basketball.

"Generally, I think college coaches behave poorly relative to NBA coaches and I don’t think that’s a very good look," Bilas claimed.

Dan Hurley exploded with anger during the game against Butler after the referee turned his back on the UConn coach late in the first half. Hurley was trying to get an explanation from the official for a no-call in the previous possession when the incident occurred. He was captured on camera saying:

“Don't turn your back on me. I’m the best coach in the f---ing sport."

Dan Hurley's UConn loses to Xavier as Huskies' struggles continue

Dan Hurley and the No. 19 UConn Huskies lost for the third time in their last five games on Saturday, suffering a narrow 76-72 defeat at the hands of the Xavier Musketeers at Cintas Center. The Huskies had no answer for Zach Freemantle and Dailyn Swain, who each scored 15 points for the Musketeers.

UConn Huskies coach Dan Hurley reacts on the sideline in the game against the Xavier Musketeers. Source: Imagn

The Huskies had a chance to send the game into overtime in the final minute of regulation, but they committed a shot clock violation with 5.1 seconds left. Marcus Foster sealed the victory with two late free throws to help Xavier snap its four-game losing streak against UConn.