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Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve
Well Jeff you weren't there either, were you? It is speculation on both sides of the issue, as you have no idea what was said or not said as well. On the surface, it does have to do with who threw the punch, because in a civilized society, we don't always have to react to baiting by going fist-city automatically.
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I never said I was there. I am also not the one criticizing the umpire for their decision either. I realize that there are a lot of things in officiating that we cannot tell by looking at the picture or the video.
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Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve
In football, for example, it is usually the player that retaliates physically to a verbal taunt who gets the flag, right. It is the same here. A.J. may have said disparaging remarks about Barrett's mama, but Barrett is ultimately responsible for his actions.
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That is assuming that the official does not hear the entire confrontation. Basketball makes it very clear that the instigator is to be considered part of the fight whether they threw a punch or not. I know hockey has a similar rule on philosophy. Having talked to pro umpires, they have talked about trying to throw out players from both teams.
Let us all remember the umpire was standing right there. He likely heard more of the conversation than you or I. The point is you or I was not umpiring the game and it is easy from our couch while watching the replay to say what should have happen. Hey, this would not be the first time you have made such accusations. I should not be surprised by your observations.
Peace