Ryan said the statement was supposed to address the issue and put it to rest. But he didn't seem completely over it Monday.

During halftime of 19th-ranked Wisconsin's loss to Illinois last week, ESPN commentator Doug Gottlieb said the Badgers were the most overrated team in the Big Ten, and Butch was the most overrated player in the conference, having failed to live up to the expectations of being a McDonald's All-American.

A high school standout at Appleton West High School, the 6-foot-11 Butch was expected by some to have an immediate impact at UW. But he redshirted last season to gain weight and has played a small role on the team so far.

Battling injuries for part of the season, he's averaging 4.7 points and 3.3 rebounds off the bench so far this season.

Ryan issued a statement last week defending Butch's progress, saying to "have a player individually called out in this manner is a sad commentary in this day in college athletics, especially someone who has not seen us practice and, as far as I know, has never seen Brian play in person in college."

Ryan said Monday that Gottlieb has not contacted him since his spirited defense of Butch.

Ryan said he understands such criticisms of individuals in the pros, where players earn millions of dollars. But he said it was unjustified to do the same to college players, who are only playing for the cost of their scholarship.

"Brian Butch is a young man who is a player and working hard as a college student," Ryan said. "He's doing a pretty good job of that."

Butch scored seven points in 13 minutes in Wisconsin's win over Penn State this weekend.

The Associated Press sent an e-mail to Gottleib's program Monday night seeking comment.