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Mark is always bragging about his smart mouth, and he does have a wicked sense of humor!! But I want everyone else on this board to know that he's really a softie to the core. He's an excellent partner, who NEVER would do anything to hurt his partner's dignity, no matter how badly that partner may blow a call. He won't even say anything afterward, unless he's sure it needs to be said.
He's also very gentle and mild, and uses the humor only when it's clear he wont hurt anyone. He only gets really nasty with the occasional coach or parent who asks for it. And then he handles it with poise and calm, which is of course the best kind of nasty.
I'm saying all this because someone recently asked about him after reading this board for a while. They wondered whether he could possibly be a good ref with his attitude. I assured this guy, and want to assure all of you, that he is a very, very good ref and the attitude is all a front.
I've worked with him several times, and I have always thought that he could go as far as he wants, because he is an excellent ref. But he has chosen to stay in his little suburb and work very hard with his local rec program to give the kids the best possible nevironment.
Sounds like I'm sweet on him? No fears. He's a great guy, but not my type. And he looks really, well, older white male, in shorts and black socks. Besides, we both talk too much. But for a reffing partner, I'd take Padgett any day for any game, and as a resource for my own career he has been invaluable.
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