Officiating at the end of a close game

[ChrisSportsFan]

I saw the evening college highlights a couple of nights ago. D1 game (I think Missouri and Oklahoma). 1 point game and Missouri is shooting a 3 just before the buzzer. Shooter gets fouled and goes to the line for 3. As an unbiased observer of the play, I was happy/suprised/pleased that the official had the guts to make a call at crunch time.

I know we all say to call the game from bell to bell and then when you make it, you hear fans and coach from one team say "let the players decide the game". If you don't make the call it's generally accepted that "officials will swallow their whistle at the buzzer". I've never liked that phrase as I believe that the offending player made a decision to do something that violated the rules.

Bottom line, if it's there and you see it, make the call. I believe it takes guts and integrity.