Wow, never expected this number of responses. Thanks, yes most of you make it clear it was a good call. I can accept that. But here is why I think it shouldn't have been called.
I was at this game, and for 39 mins and 40 seconds this was a game with no altercations what so ever and was well played by all on the court. The last 20-30 seconds was the most physical of the entire game. The helter skelter play in the moments leading up to the foul were the most physical of the night. After the foul, the ref should have immediately gotten in front of Swader and made it clear he was close to a technical. You can clearly see the Belmont player goes away from Swader but he does not go after him. I light of the situation, a warning should have been made to Swader. Whether he makes the foul shots or not, or Belmont goes on to win is irrelevant.
I look at it this way. It's like you are doing 40mph in a 25 mph zone and a police car going the other way comes over the hill. He flashes his headlights at you to let you know he knows you are speeding. But he does not turn around and stop you. Sure, you are technically breaking the law, but he is warning you to slow down. This same mindset should have been with this particular referee. Had Swader made contact and/or went after the player then case closed it has to be called a technical.
BTW, the announcer that agreed with the call was the color guy, Sonny Smith, who ironically used to be the head coach at ETSU. The play-by-play guy did not feel it was a good call. His name is Matt something (I think) and works for CSS and has no affiliation with ETSU that I know of.
Anyway that just my $0.02.
PS. Just a note about Swader for those that don't know of him. He hardly ever showed emotion in most of the games while at ETSU. And this incident is way out of character for him. I'm not saying that should have been taken into account (I mean how would the ref know that), I just don't want those last few seconds of his senior season for people to think this guy is a thug.
Last edited by etsubucsfan1988; Wed Mar 12, 2008 at 12:33pm.
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