Ref's talking with fans

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by Smitty


I have to say I don't get it. You seem to think that changing at the gym is a very important part of being professional. But you'll talk for a couple minutes with fans during pre-game warm-ups when we're supposed to be watching the players. I think we can talk to friends before or after the game, out of uniform. Once we walk on the court, it's all business. I'm just tring to understand your idea of professionalism.

Smitty,

Please do not try to make this into a larger issue. I said that I would talk to someone if they approached me. I am not going to tell them in a rude way to "get away." I have approached officials during the warm-up myself to say hi or to let them know I will talk to them later. There is nothing wrong with that. Especially when you are working games with a large amount of people. Many times there are people walking right behind you or right in front of you. Fans say things at that time. So you are going to act like the Buckingham Palace Guards if someone acknowledges your existence? To me that is going to give off the wrong message if you ask me. We are human beings, we are not robots. Speaking to a fan and having a long conversation is quite a different thing if you ask me. If a step on a fans foot in a small gym, I am not going to act like a jerk and not apologize for doing that. I am a human being first, an official second. Lighten up dude.

Peace