There’s a discernible line between passion and insanity, however, and it’s one that several Wildcats’ fans crossed earlier this year. Following a close, 75-73, loss to North Carolina in the South Region final of the NCAA Tournament, a game that included several questionable calls against both teams, Kentucky fans found the Facebook page of referee John Higgins’ business and made their feelings known.

The messages to Higgins quickly went from frustrated to felonious, however, as the referee began to receive emails, phone calls and voice mails that threatened his and his family’s lives.

Following a lengthy investigation, Nebraska prosecutors identified seven individuals who made threats against Higgins, according to a report by the Associated Press.

“Based on the investigation’s findings, our office has determined that no local charges will be filed and that pursuit of any criminal charges would be best served by deferring to authorities in the appropriate jurisdictions,” Polikov said in a statement to the Associated Press. “The length of the investigation was drawn out due, in part, to the large volume of potential evidence requiring analysis and the multi-jurisdictional issues arising from the multiple states in which the communications originated.”

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-fo...n-higgins/

(05-27-2017 12:04 PM)murrdcu Wrote:  
There’s a discernible line between passion and insanity, however, and it’s one that several Wildcats’ fans crossed earlier this year. Following a close, 75-73, loss to North Carolina in the South Region final of the NCAA Tournament, a game that included several questionable calls against both teams, Kentucky fans found the Facebook page of referee John Higgins’ business and made their feelings known.

The messages to Higgins quickly went from frustrated to felonious, however, as the referee began to receive emails, phone calls and voice mails that threatened his and his family’s lives.

Following a lengthy investigation, Nebraska prosecutors identified seven individuals who made threats against Higgins, according to a report by the Associated Press.

“Based on the investigation’s findings, our office has determined that no local charges will be filed and that pursuit of any criminal charges would be best served by deferring to authorities in the appropriate jurisdictions,” Polikov said in a statement to the Associated Press. “The length of the investigation was drawn out due, in part, to the large volume of potential evidence requiring analysis and the multi-jurisdictional issues arising from the multiple states in which the communications originated.”

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-fo...n-higgins/

Obviously there is no room for threats in a game. But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game. He has a long history of questionable calls against the Cats, particularly in big games. So this is not a one sided issue. The fans are flat wrong, but so is the NCAA for having not addressed this issue by simply using another official.

(05-27-2017 12:19 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 12:04 PM)murrdcu Wrote:  
There’s a discernible line between passion and insanity, however, and it’s one that several Wildcats’ fans crossed earlier this year. Following a close, 75-73, loss to North Carolina in the South Region final of the NCAA Tournament, a game that included several questionable calls against both teams, Kentucky fans found the Facebook page of referee John Higgins’ business and made their feelings known.

The messages to Higgins quickly went from frustrated to felonious, however, as the referee began to receive emails, phone calls and voice mails that threatened his and his family’s lives.

Following a lengthy investigation, Nebraska prosecutors identified seven individuals who made threats against Higgins, according to a report by the Associated Press.

“Based on the investigation’s findings, our office has determined that no local charges will be filed and that pursuit of any criminal charges would be best served by deferring to authorities in the appropriate jurisdictions,” Polikov said in a statement to the Associated Press. “The length of the investigation was drawn out due, in part, to the large volume of potential evidence requiring analysis and the multi-jurisdictional issues arising from the multiple states in which the communications originated.”

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-fo...n-higgins/

Obviously there is no room for threats in a game. But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game. He has a long history of questionable calls against the Cats, particularly in big games. So this is not a one sided issue. The fans are flat wrong, but so is the NCAA for having not addressed this issue by simply using another official.

I know Hog FB coach Brett Bielema has certain referees banned from calling Arkansas games. I'm sure the same probably exists with basketball and other NCAA sports.

(05-27-2017 06:23 PM)murrdcu Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 12:19 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 12:04 PM)murrdcu Wrote:  
There’s a discernible line between passion and insanity, however, and it’s one that several Wildcats’ fans crossed earlier this year. Following a close, 75-73, loss to North Carolina in the South Region final of the NCAA Tournament, a game that included several questionable calls against both teams, Kentucky fans found the Facebook page of referee John Higgins’ business and made their feelings known.

The messages to Higgins quickly went from frustrated to felonious, however, as the referee began to receive emails, phone calls and voice mails that threatened his and his family’s lives.

Following a lengthy investigation, Nebraska prosecutors identified seven individuals who made threats against Higgins, according to a report by the Associated Press.

“Based on the investigation’s findings, our office has determined that no local charges will be filed and that pursuit of any criminal charges would be best served by deferring to authorities in the appropriate jurisdictions,” Polikov said in a statement to the Associated Press. “The length of the investigation was drawn out due, in part, to the large volume of potential evidence requiring analysis and the multi-jurisdictional issues arising from the multiple states in which the communications originated.”

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-fo...n-higgins/

Obviously there is no room for threats in a game. But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game. He has a long history of questionable calls against the Cats, particularly in big games. So this is not a one sided issue. The fans are flat wrong, but so is the NCAA for having not addressed this issue by simply using another official.

I know Hog FB coach Brett Bielema has certain referees banned from calling Arkansas games. I'm sure the same probably exists with basketball and other NCAA sports.

Unfortunately not. But it should. Remember in the tournament it's a NCAA issue not an SEC issue.

(05-27-2017 12:19 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 12:04 PM)murrdcu Wrote:  
There’s a discernible line between passion and insanity, however, and it’s one that several Wildcats’ fans crossed earlier this year. Following a close, 75-73, loss to North Carolina in the South Region final of the NCAA Tournament, a game that included several questionable calls against both teams, Kentucky fans found the Facebook page of referee John Higgins’ business and made their feelings known.

The messages to Higgins quickly went from frustrated to felonious, however, as the referee began to receive emails, phone calls and voice mails that threatened his and his family’s lives.

Following a lengthy investigation, Nebraska prosecutors identified seven individuals who made threats against Higgins, according to a report by the Associated Press.

“Based on the investigation’s findings, our office has determined that no local charges will be filed and that pursuit of any criminal charges would be best served by deferring to authorities in the appropriate jurisdictions,” Polikov said in a statement to the Associated Press. “The length of the investigation was drawn out due, in part, to the large volume of potential evidence requiring analysis and the multi-jurisdictional issues arising from the multiple states in which the communications originated.”

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-fo...n-higgins/

Obviously there is no room for threats in a game. But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game. He has a long history of questionable calls against the Cats, particularly in big games. So this is not a one sided issue. The fans are flat wrong, but so is the NCAA for having not addressed this issue by simply using another official.

"But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game". Come on JR, your taking it to far here. With Higgins as one of THREE officials in an NCAA tournament game UK is 2-4. That is hardly extraordinary. Perhaps you would rather have the officials who missed the goal tending call when a defender put his hand through the rim? Please don't feed this nonsense.

https://www.google.com/amp/www.aseaofblu...gins-alone

The Referees Did Not Cost Kentucky The Game

It’s easy to blame the referees. Did they make some bad calls? Sure. Did they miss some calls? Absolutely. Do you have a reason to be upset about how poor the officiating has been in this tournament? Without a doubt.

However, the referees did not cause Kentucky to miss seven of their nineteen free-throw attempts in a game that they lost by two points.


The referees did not allow multiple wide-open layups and dunks by double-teaming in the post and not rotating over to cover the lane in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not force Bam Adebayo to lose the ball in the post multiple times, and drop a few key rebounds late in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not allow a 12-0 run and blow a lead late in the game. In fact, most of those bad calls we all remember? They happened before halftime in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not leave Luke Maye wide open for a jumper with the game on the line in the final seconds of a game we lost by two points.

Sorry folks, as easy as it is to blame the referees for the loss, we have enough reasons to look at our own team first.

John Higgins Was Not The Only Referee On The Floor

It’s easy to blame Higgins for all of the bad calls. I’m here to tell you that while Higgins made some mistakes, he wasn’t the only one.

Officiating crews have three members on them. I know that most of you performing these cowardly deeds might not be able to count that high, but it’s true. It’s always that way, and it has been for a very long time.

That foul at the end of the half on De’Aaron Fox that wasn’t called? There’s a different official standing on the baseline. He didn’t blow the whistle. You know when he DID blow the whistle? When Isaiah Briscoe tried to win an Academy Award with his epic flop, and he got it a Tar Heel called for a charging foul. They canceled out, folks.

Also, when Higgins DID make a bad call, neither of his partners overturned his call. They have that option. It’s this unique thing where they can come together, discuss what they saw, and overturn the call. That never happened. That means you can’t blame just one person if a mistake was made.

(05-28-2017 08:49 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 12:19 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 12:04 PM)murrdcu Wrote:  
There’s a discernible line between passion and insanity, however, and it’s one that several Wildcats’ fans crossed earlier this year. Following a close, 75-73, loss to North Carolina in the South Region final of the NCAA Tournament, a game that included several questionable calls against both teams, Kentucky fans found the Facebook page of referee John Higgins’ business and made their feelings known.

The messages to Higgins quickly went from frustrated to felonious, however, as the referee began to receive emails, phone calls and voice mails that threatened his and his family’s lives.

Following a lengthy investigation, Nebraska prosecutors identified seven individuals who made threats against Higgins, according to a report by the Associated Press.

“Based on the investigation’s findings, our office has determined that no local charges will be filed and that pursuit of any criminal charges would be best served by deferring to authorities in the appropriate jurisdictions,” Polikov said in a statement to the Associated Press. “The length of the investigation was drawn out due, in part, to the large volume of potential evidence requiring analysis and the multi-jurisdictional issues arising from the multiple states in which the communications originated.”

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-fo...n-higgins/

Obviously there is no room for threats in a game. But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game. He has a long history of questionable calls against the Cats, particularly in big games. So this is not a one sided issue. The fans are flat wrong, but so is the NCAA for having not addressed this issue by simply using another official.

"But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game". Come on JR, your taking it to far here. With Higgins as one of THREE officials in an NCAA tournament game UK is 2-4. That is hardly extraordinary. Perhaps you would rather have the officials who missed the goal tending call when a defender put his hand through the rim? Please don't feed this nonsense.

https://www.google.com/amp/www.aseaofblu...gins-alone

The Referees Did Not Cost Kentucky The Game

It’s easy to blame the referees. Did they make some bad calls? Sure. Did they miss some calls? Absolutely. Do you have a reason to be upset about how poor the officiating has been in this tournament? Without a doubt.

However, the referees did not cause Kentucky to miss seven of their nineteen free-throw attempts in a game that they lost by two points.


The referees did not allow multiple wide-open layups and dunks by double-teaming in the post and not rotating over to cover the lane in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not force Bam Adebayo to lose the ball in the post multiple times, and drop a few key rebounds late in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not allow a 12-0 run and blow a lead late in the game. In fact, most of those bad calls we all remember? They happened before halftime in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not leave Luke Maye wide open for a jumper with the game on the line in the final seconds of a game we lost by two points.

Sorry folks, as easy as it is to blame the referees for the loss, we have enough reasons to look at our own team first.

John Higgins Was Not The Only Referee On The Floor

It’s easy to blame Higgins for all of the bad calls. I’m here to tell you that while Higgins made some mistakes, he wasn’t the only one.

Officiating crews have three members on them. I know that most of you performing these cowardly deeds might not be able to count that high, but it’s true. It’s always that way, and it has been for a very long time.

That foul at the end of the half on De’Aaron Fox that wasn’t called? There’s a different official standing on the baseline. He didn’t blow the whistle. You know when he DID blow the whistle? When Isaiah Briscoe tried to win an Academy Award with his epic flop, and he got it a Tar Heel called for a charging foul. They canceled out, folks.

Also, when Higgins DID make a bad call, neither of his partners overturned his call. They have that option. It’s this unique thing where they can come together, discuss what they saw, and overturn the call. That never happened. That means you can’t blame just one person if a mistake was made.

IMO Lenville every school should be able to strike an official they have had difficulty with when they play a post season game. Within the conference they get that strike. They should be able to do so outside of the conference as well. If every school can do that then they all should be happier with the result win or lose.

(05-28-2017 10:12 AM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-28-2017 08:49 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 12:19 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 12:04 PM)murrdcu Wrote:  
There’s a discernible line between passion and insanity, however, and it’s one that several Wildcats’ fans crossed earlier this year. Following a close, 75-73, loss to North Carolina in the South Region final of the NCAA Tournament, a game that included several questionable calls against both teams, Kentucky fans found the Facebook page of referee John Higgins’ business and made their feelings known.

The messages to Higgins quickly went from frustrated to felonious, however, as the referee began to receive emails, phone calls and voice mails that threatened his and his family’s lives.

Following a lengthy investigation, Nebraska prosecutors identified seven individuals who made threats against Higgins, according to a report by the Associated Press.

“Based on the investigation’s findings, our office has determined that no local charges will be filed and that pursuit of any criminal charges would be best served by deferring to authorities in the appropriate jurisdictions,” Polikov said in a statement to the Associated Press. “The length of the investigation was drawn out due, in part, to the large volume of potential evidence requiring analysis and the multi-jurisdictional issues arising from the multiple states in which the communications originated.”

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-fo...n-higgins/

Obviously there is no room for threats in a game. But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game. He has a long history of questionable calls against the Cats, particularly in big games. So this is not a one sided issue. The fans are flat wrong, but so is the NCAA for having not addressed this issue by simply using another official.

"But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game". Come on JR, your taking it to far here. With Higgins as one of THREE officials in an NCAA tournament game UK is 2-4. That is hardly extraordinary. Perhaps you would rather have the officials who missed the goal tending call when a defender put his hand through the rim? Please don't feed this nonsense.

https://www.google.com/amp/www.aseaofblu...gins-alone

The Referees Did Not Cost Kentucky The Game

It’s easy to blame the referees. Did they make some bad calls? Sure. Did they miss some calls? Absolutely. Do you have a reason to be upset about how poor the officiating has been in this tournament? Without a doubt.

However, the referees did not cause Kentucky to miss seven of their nineteen free-throw attempts in a game that they lost by two points.


The referees did not allow multiple wide-open layups and dunks by double-teaming in the post and not rotating over to cover the lane in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not force Bam Adebayo to lose the ball in the post multiple times, and drop a few key rebounds late in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not allow a 12-0 run and blow a lead late in the game. In fact, most of those bad calls we all remember? They happened before halftime in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not leave Luke Maye wide open for a jumper with the game on the line in the final seconds of a game we lost by two points.

Sorry folks, as easy as it is to blame the referees for the loss, we have enough reasons to look at our own team first.

John Higgins Was Not The Only Referee On The Floor

It’s easy to blame Higgins for all of the bad calls. I’m here to tell you that while Higgins made some mistakes, he wasn’t the only one.

Officiating crews have three members on them. I know that most of you performing these cowardly deeds might not be able to count that high, but it’s true. It’s always that way, and it has been for a very long time.

That foul at the end of the half on De’Aaron Fox that wasn’t called? There’s a different official standing on the baseline. He didn’t blow the whistle. You know when he DID blow the whistle? When Isaiah Briscoe tried to win an Academy Award with his epic flop, and he got it a Tar Heel called for a charging foul. They canceled out, folks.

Also, when Higgins DID make a bad call, neither of his partners overturned his call. They have that option. It’s this unique thing where they can come together, discuss what they saw, and overturn the call. That never happened. That means you can’t blame just one person if a mistake was made.

IMO Lenville every school should be able to strike an official they have had difficulty with when they play a post season game. Within the conference they get that strike. They should be able to do so outside of the conference as well. If every school can do that then they all should be happier with the result win or lose.

If you want to limit the discussion to that part of the argument then we could reach an agreement but I don't support banning an official from doing anyone's games nor do I believe that there's some sort of conspiracy involving this official & UK.

(05-28-2017 12:47 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(05-28-2017 10:12 AM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-28-2017 08:49 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 12:19 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 12:04 PM)murrdcu Wrote:  
There’s a discernible line between passion and insanity, however, and it’s one that several Wildcats’ fans crossed earlier this year. Following a close, 75-73, loss to North Carolina in the South Region final of the NCAA Tournament, a game that included several questionable calls against both teams, Kentucky fans found the Facebook page of referee John Higgins’ business and made their feelings known.

The messages to Higgins quickly went from frustrated to felonious, however, as the referee began to receive emails, phone calls and voice mails that threatened his and his family’s lives.

Following a lengthy investigation, Nebraska prosecutors identified seven individuals who made threats against Higgins, according to a report by the Associated Press.

“Based on the investigation’s findings, our office has determined that no local charges will be filed and that pursuit of any criminal charges would be best served by deferring to authorities in the appropriate jurisdictions,” Polikov said in a statement to the Associated Press. “The length of the investigation was drawn out due, in part, to the large volume of potential evidence requiring analysis and the multi-jurisdictional issues arising from the multiple states in which the communications originated.”

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-fo...n-higgins/

Obviously there is no room for threats in a game. But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game. He has a long history of questionable calls against the Cats, particularly in big games. So this is not a one sided issue. The fans are flat wrong, but so is the NCAA for having not addressed this issue by simply using another official.

"But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game". Come on JR, your taking it to far here. With Higgins as one of THREE officials in an NCAA tournament game UK is 2-4. That is hardly extraordinary. Perhaps you would rather have the officials who missed the goal tending call when a defender put his hand through the rim? Please don't feed this nonsense.

https://www.google.com/amp/www.aseaofblu...gins-alone

The Referees Did Not Cost Kentucky The Game

It’s easy to blame the referees. Did they make some bad calls? Sure. Did they miss some calls? Absolutely. Do you have a reason to be upset about how poor the officiating has been in this tournament? Without a doubt.

However, the referees did not cause Kentucky to miss seven of their nineteen free-throw attempts in a game that they lost by two points.


The referees did not allow multiple wide-open layups and dunks by double-teaming in the post and not rotating over to cover the lane in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not force Bam Adebayo to lose the ball in the post multiple times, and drop a few key rebounds late in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not allow a 12-0 run and blow a lead late in the game. In fact, most of those bad calls we all remember? They happened before halftime in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not leave Luke Maye wide open for a jumper with the game on the line in the final seconds of a game we lost by two points.

Sorry folks, as easy as it is to blame the referees for the loss, we have enough reasons to look at our own team first.

John Higgins Was Not The Only Referee On The Floor

It’s easy to blame Higgins for all of the bad calls. I’m here to tell you that while Higgins made some mistakes, he wasn’t the only one.

Officiating crews have three members on them. I know that most of you performing these cowardly deeds might not be able to count that high, but it’s true. It’s always that way, and it has been for a very long time.

That foul at the end of the half on De’Aaron Fox that wasn’t called? There’s a different official standing on the baseline. He didn’t blow the whistle. You know when he DID blow the whistle? When Isaiah Briscoe tried to win an Academy Award with his epic flop, and he got it a Tar Heel called for a charging foul. They canceled out, folks.

Also, when Higgins DID make a bad call, neither of his partners overturned his call. They have that option. It’s this unique thing where they can come together, discuss what they saw, and overturn the call. That never happened. That means you can’t blame just one person if a mistake was made.

IMO Lenville every school should be able to strike an official they have had difficulty with when they play a post season game. Within the conference they get that strike. They should be able to do so outside of the conference as well. If every school can do that then they all should be happier with the result win or lose.

If you want to limit the discussion to that part of the argument then we could reach an agreement but I don't support banning an official from doing anyone's games nor do I believe that there's some sort of conspiracy involving this official & UK.

Well since the Cats are your rival, and their fans feel this way about Higgins, that is precisely why he should't be assigned to Kentucky games. There are plenty of games Higgins can be assigned to each and every week.

(05-28-2017 01:34 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-28-2017 12:47 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(05-28-2017 10:12 AM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-28-2017 08:49 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 12:19 PM)JRsec Wrote:  Obviously there is no room for threats in a game. But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game. He has a long history of questionable calls against the Cats, particularly in big games. So this is not a one sided issue. The fans are flat wrong, but so is the NCAA for having not addressed this issue by simply using another official.

"But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game". Come on JR, your taking it to far here. With Higgins as one of THREE officials in an NCAA tournament game UK is 2-4. That is hardly extraordinary. Perhaps you would rather have the officials who missed the goal tending call when a defender put his hand through the rim? Please don't feed this nonsense.

https://www.google.com/amp/www.aseaofblu...gins-alone

The Referees Did Not Cost Kentucky The Game

It’s easy to blame the referees. Did they make some bad calls? Sure. Did they miss some calls? Absolutely. Do you have a reason to be upset about how poor the officiating has been in this tournament? Without a doubt.

However, the referees did not cause Kentucky to miss seven of their nineteen free-throw attempts in a game that they lost by two points.


The referees did not allow multiple wide-open layups and dunks by double-teaming in the post and not rotating over to cover the lane in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not force Bam Adebayo to lose the ball in the post multiple times, and drop a few key rebounds late in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not allow a 12-0 run and blow a lead late in the game. In fact, most of those bad calls we all remember? They happened before halftime in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not leave Luke Maye wide open for a jumper with the game on the line in the final seconds of a game we lost by two points.

Sorry folks, as easy as it is to blame the referees for the loss, we have enough reasons to look at our own team first.

John Higgins Was Not The Only Referee On The Floor

It’s easy to blame Higgins for all of the bad calls. I’m here to tell you that while Higgins made some mistakes, he wasn’t the only one.

Officiating crews have three members on them. I know that most of you performing these cowardly deeds might not be able to count that high, but it’s true. It’s always that way, and it has been for a very long time.

That foul at the end of the half on De’Aaron Fox that wasn’t called? There’s a different official standing on the baseline. He didn’t blow the whistle. You know when he DID blow the whistle? When Isaiah Briscoe tried to win an Academy Award with his epic flop, and he got it a Tar Heel called for a charging foul. They canceled out, folks.

Also, when Higgins DID make a bad call, neither of his partners overturned his call. They have that option. It’s this unique thing where they can come together, discuss what they saw, and overturn the call. That never happened. That means you can’t blame just one person if a mistake was made.

IMO Lenville every school should be able to strike an official they have had difficulty with when they play a post season game. Within the conference they get that strike. They should be able to do so outside of the conference as well. If every school can do that then they all should be happier with the result win or lose.

If you want to limit the discussion to that part of the argument then we could reach an agreement but I don't support banning an official from doing anyone's games nor do I believe that there's some sort of conspiracy involving this official & UK.

Well since the Cats are your rival, and their fans feel this way about Higgins, that is precisely why he should't be assigned to Kentucky games. There are plenty of games Higgins can be assigned to each and every week.

If you read the article I posted, written by a Kentucky fan on one of their own sites, then you would notice that a majority of Kentucky fans feel the same way as I do. Louisville rivalry with Kentucky doesn't impact my integrity. Now since this ugly incident has occurred involving a few fans then yes, I could see why Higgins would ask not to be assigned any more Kentucky games.

(05-28-2017 02:11 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(05-28-2017 01:34 PM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-28-2017 12:47 PM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  

(05-28-2017 10:12 AM)JRsec Wrote:  

(05-28-2017 08:49 AM)Lenvillecards Wrote:  "But equally obviously Higgins should never be permitted to work a Kentucky game". Come on JR, your taking it to far here. With Higgins as one of THREE officials in an NCAA tournament game UK is 2-4. That is hardly extraordinary. Perhaps you would rather have the officials who missed the goal tending call when a defender put his hand through the rim? Please don't feed this nonsense.

https://www.google.com/amp/www.aseaofblu...gins-alone

The Referees Did Not Cost Kentucky The Game

It’s easy to blame the referees. Did they make some bad calls? Sure. Did they miss some calls? Absolutely. Do you have a reason to be upset about how poor the officiating has been in this tournament? Without a doubt.

However, the referees did not cause Kentucky to miss seven of their nineteen free-throw attempts in a game that they lost by two points.


The referees did not allow multiple wide-open layups and dunks by double-teaming in the post and not rotating over to cover the lane in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not force Bam Adebayo to lose the ball in the post multiple times, and drop a few key rebounds late in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not allow a 12-0 run and blow a lead late in the game. In fact, most of those bad calls we all remember? They happened before halftime in a game that we lost by two points.

The referees did not leave Luke Maye wide open for a jumper with the game on the line in the final seconds of a game we lost by two points.

Sorry folks, as easy as it is to blame the referees for the loss, we have enough reasons to look at our own team first.

John Higgins Was Not The Only Referee On The Floor

It’s easy to blame Higgins for all of the bad calls. I’m here to tell you that while Higgins made some mistakes, he wasn’t the only one.

Officiating crews have three members on them. I know that most of you performing these cowardly deeds might not be able to count that high, but it’s true. It’s always that way, and it has been for a very long time.

That foul at the end of the half on De’Aaron Fox that wasn’t called? There’s a different official standing on the baseline. He didn’t blow the whistle. You know when he DID blow the whistle? When Isaiah Briscoe tried to win an Academy Award with his epic flop, and he got it a Tar Heel called for a charging foul. They canceled out, folks.

Also, when Higgins DID make a bad call, neither of his partners overturned his call. They have that option. It’s this unique thing where they can come together, discuss what they saw, and overturn the call. That never happened. That means you can’t blame just one person if a mistake was made.

IMO Lenville every school should be able to strike an official they have had difficulty with when they play a post season game. Within the conference they get that strike. They should be able to do so outside of the conference as well. If every school can do that then they all should be happier with the result win or lose.

If you want to limit the discussion to that part of the argument then we could reach an agreement but I don't support banning an official from doing anyone's games nor do I believe that there's some sort of conspiracy involving this official & UK.

Well since the Cats are your rival, and their fans feel this way about Higgins, that is precisely why he should't be assigned to Kentucky games. There are plenty of games Higgins can be assigned to each and every week.

If you read the article I posted, written by a Kentucky fan on one of their own sites, then you would notice that a majority of Kentucky fans feel the same way as I do. Louisville rivalry with Kentucky doesn't impact my integrity. Now since this ugly incident has occurred involving a few fans then yes, I could see why Higgins would ask not to be assigned any more Kentucky games.

If college sports betting is legalized in most states, and this is what they are pushing for, the ability to change officials at the last moment will be one of the few tools that the conferences and NCAA will be able to use to keep the payola out of the officiating.

In huge games, football or basketball, an official making 100,000 or even 200,000 a year can easily be bought for between 500,000 and 1 million. They don't have to look obviously biased either because they are only calling against the spread. In football that is easily accomplished with third down holding or pass interference calls, neither of which are easily contestable, are not reviewed, and in just one game would be difficult to prove that bias was involved. In hoops, basket interference, fouls called or not, and charge/blocks are the easiest way to control the game.

So the ability to strike an official from a contest is nothing compared to being able to switch crews at the last minute.

But you watch Lenville, the gambling is already in the game. If they legalized it in the states it will get much much worse.