Dumb Athletic Directors.

[MikeStrybel]

Mr. Senger, why be so antagonistic? The AD is entitled to ask the question and for him, it is relevant. Unless that state association mandates that free speech is waived and the AD must remain silent except to express gratitude for the call, he is fully in his rights. Most ADs support their coaches unequivocally but some want to have all the facts before they apply penalties beyond what code allows. Yes, I have seen coaches penalized beyond the process by their administrators. I actually had a coach call me with an apology once while in the presence of his AD. Imagine Mark saying, "No, Mr. X, in fact, I gave your player and coach a warning in the third inning. That is why I ejected him." Maybe that happened. Clairvoyance is not a skill set I possess. Yes, the AD was probably pissed and looking to vent. Maybe he wanted to light a fire under Mark for past issues and this was his chance. Either way, I don't see a reason to be antagonistic toward the people responsible for paying us. Mark may have felt the need to be brief due to prior interactions with the guy. He may have felt the question would lead to something he couldn't address without scrutiny. I have asked this of Mark and await his replies. He seems very level headed and approachable.

I see no harm in answering it honestly. "Mr. X, 3-3-1g allows me some discretion but with #4 of your team, his actions warranted an ejection. I have to inform you of this and that is what I am doing. I wish you and your team good luck for the remainder of the season. Have a good day, sir/ma'am." Professional umpiring doesn't end when we leave the field. I hope Mark can shed some light on his past history with this team. If he had issues then I will support his decision 100%. Mark's posts have always led me to believe he can handle himself well.