Email from Rush's son, Ed, Jr.:
Here at the Court Club, we have received several messages in regard to the recent news stories surrounding (and in support of) Ed T. Rush Sr.
In an effort to clear the air ... and to be open with our members, I thought it would be appropriate to address you directly to dispel any rumors and clear any doubt.
Here is the official report from Pac-12 conference commissioner Larry Scott,
"I can confirm that following the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Tournament, we received a complaint that Pac-12 Coordinator of Officials Ed Rush offered game officials inappropriate incentives for being stricter with Pac-12 coaches," Commissioner Scott said on Monday.
"I consider the integrity of our officiating program to be of the highest importance and immediately ordered a review of the matter. Based on the review, we have concluded that while Rush made inappropriate comments that he now regrets during internal meetings that referenced rewards, he made the comments in jest and the officials in the room realized they were not serious offers. Following our review, we have discussed the matter with Rush, taken steps to ensure it does not happen again, and communicated our findings to all of our officials."
You can read the entire post on the PAC-12 website:
Pac-12 commissioner responds to officiating complaint > Pac-12 Conference > Basketball (M)
In other words, the comments were not intended to be serious. Nor were they taken as serious. The Pac-12 did not take them as serious. And nor should you.
In retrospect, having to do it over again, would Ed Rush Sr. have made those comments?
Of course not.
But then again as officials, we all make hundreds of comments a year in the locker room, which are never intended for the ear of the public media.
All I recommend is to keep a clear mind, think independently, and perhaps even place yourself in the situation.
Last, you should always remember that officials are together on everything that happens in the public eye. A bad call or a mis-spoken word can often bring a level of undeserved of discredit to the officiating community at large. These are things you will hear from the sidelines and from the stands.
How you react this situation will be your decision...and I am confident that you will let integrity be your guide.
As such, I encourage you to be in support of your fellow colleagues and to be circumspect when thinking through allegations from the nameless and anonymous.
Best,
Ed Rush Jr.
P.S. This letter was written by Ed Rush Jr, not Ed Rush Sr.
It was my initiative and was written by me alone. So, if
anyone other than a Court Club member is reading this (i.e.
anyone from the media), you do not have my permission to use
this article, nor to mistakenly quote Ed Rush Sr. from of this article.
We have the same name, but mine ends in "Jr." so be sure to
get that straight.
P.P.S. To our many Court Club members who have responded
with phone calls, letters, and texts of support, I offer my
sincerest thanks. You are why we do what we do...and I
appreciate you all more than you know.