Raw Deal.....for Ted Valentine

[b_silliman]

Just read that Ted Valentine has been fired by the Big Ten.
In case you don't know the story, REFEREE magazine recently published a story about a confrontation Valentine had with Indiana Bobby 'Good-Knight' during the 1998 season. Valentine had to give 'Good-Knight' three technical fouls.
The Big Ten said the first and third techs were ok but the second (given due to remarks 'Good-Knight' made as he walked past Valentine to attend to an injured player) was not justified.
Also, I wonder where were his partners during this game. Both are big-time Division 1 officials (Tom O'Neil and Ed Hightower), but they dropped the ball. One in particular, Hightower, works a full schedule in the Big Ten and his actions show that he was protecting "his" schedule. Twice he put his arm around "Good-Knights' shoulders and walked away from Valentine, thus showing him up.
As an official we must all decide what our individual philosophy will be: 1) suck up to coaches and administrators so we can get a better schedule; or 2) call the game the way it should be according to the rules and leave the court with your head held high!
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