I can see deeming this to not be a foul. The camera angle is basically 90 degrees different from the look the official on the court had, and perhaps the official actually had the better angle of view.
Here's why: while the contact looks severe from the camera angle and to those on the bench for the team in white, it may not have looked that way when viewing from an open look between the players. This pass is poor. It is thrown high and above the head of the intended teammate. It appears from the video that the defensive player jumps and gets his hands on the ball first. The offensive player is also jumping for the ball, but doesn't touch it. The players now come together. Here the official must decide if one player jumped into another or the two were in equally favorable positions to contest for the ball. If the official thinks the latter, then I can understand ruling the contact incidental and to be after the defender has knocked the ball away. The offensive player may actually jump into the side of his opponent as this player moves straight forward to continue his action with the ball.
Say what you wish, but I don't see this as the clear foul that so many others are stating.
If I had what I felt was a great look and made my decision, then a partner came in from the other side of the court with a whistle, I would be very disappointed in that person. What does that say about trusting your partner?
Afterall, he isn't screened out. He is standing right there staring at the action. Let him make the decision!
Last edited by Nevadaref; Wed Feb 08, 2012 at 04:19am.
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