Irving, TX (Sports Network) - Texas Tech football coach Tommy Tuberville was issued a public reprimand by the Big 12 Conference on Friday for comments he made during a radio interview.

Tuberville said on Rivals Radio, "I don't think this conference will last long because there is too much disparity between all the teams."

"Tommy Tuberville's comments were unfortunate, and contrary to the very strong feelings of unity expressed publicly and privately by the Big 12 Board of Directors and athletic directors," said Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe. "Coach Tuberville has admitted that his comments do not reflect his true feelings of respect for the conference, its leadership, and his excitement about its future and has apologized to the conference and its members. In deciding to reprimand Coach Tuberville, I took into account that this is a first-time offense and that he has committed to adhere to the rules and contribute to strengthen the conference. If not for these factors, a more significant penalty would be assessed, and will be if there are any future violations."