[JRutledge]

I talk to players before they even do stuff. Even in many cases I say things so they can hear me. And when I do call a foul they are aware I was watching them. My talking is never a substitute for calling a foul. I do not think the two things are mutually exclusive. You talk to players when you have the opportunity to talk to them. You call the foul when something obvious takes place. And many times talking to players is after a foul or violation is called. I do not know how many times I have called a travel on a kid and had them ask, "What did I do?" Or when you call a foul the player says, "Well he pushed me first." Then my answer is often clarifying what I saw or letting them know "I saw exactly what you did......" and they react accordingly as if they know I saw what they did. And they are going to continue to talk to us when they see their pro counterparts do the same at that level when they watch TV. You can name any NBA player and when they disagree they are talking to an official. You have to learn how to navigate those interactions whether it is with a T or talking them out of other bad behavior. I do not think you have to be a robot and only call things when players and teams play differently and approach us differently.

Peace