Connecticut: Armstrong Apologizes for Flipped Bird

Armstrong Apologizes for Flipped Bird: Connecticut senior forward Hilton Armstrong issued a statement yesterday in which he apologized to West Virginia fans and everyone involved in Connecticut basketball for his actions late in the Huskies’ win at the Mountaineers. Armstrong gave the middle finger to West Virginia’s student section following a racial comment directed toward Armstrong. The incident occurred with 20 seconds remaining after West Virginia fouled Armstrong to force him to the free-throw line because the team trailed by five points. Coach Jim Calhoun said Armstrong and the rest of the Huskies must remember that they need to maintain a higher standard of behavior and let their play on the court speak for itself. Armstrong finished with 18 points in the Huskies’ 81-75 win, a huge road win following a tough loss at Villanova earlier last week. [2/20/06]