Miami (Ohio) coach Travis Steele fined $2,500 for halftime outburst, pushing over speaker

The Mid-American Conference fined Miami (Ohio) men’s basketball coach Travis Steele $2,500 for his halftime conduct during the team’s win at Western Michigan on Friday evening, the conference announced Monday.

Steele was given a technical for arguing with officials while walking off the court. He also pushed over a DJ speaker while leaving the court, just before entering the tunnel. The MAC announced that in addition to the fine, Steele will reimburse any equipment damages that may have occurred.

Coach doesn’t look too happy heading into halftime 😬 pic.twitter.com/wppELWNauj

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) February 27, 2026

Steele’s outburst went viral Friday night as the RedHawks improved to 29-0 (16-0 MAC), the only remaining unbeaten team in Division I men’s hoops. Trailing by four at halftime and as many as nine in the second half, a shorthanded Miami squad rallied back for a 69-67 victory on a game-winning layup by freshman guard Trey Perry.

The game-winning shot by @MiamiOH_BBall 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/s5xditeiZZ

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) February 28, 2026

“I can’t lose my mind, I got a technical foul walking off the court. I gotta be better,” Steele said after the game. “But our group is unflappable. Calm, cool and collected, it’s very, very even the whole time, even during tight moments.”

Miami was ranked No. 19 in this week’s AP Top 25 poll, its highest ranking of the season and the highest mark since the 1977-78 season. The RedHawks finish the regular season this week with games against Toledo and at Ohio before the MAC tournament tips off on March 11. Miami is looking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2007.