KY Referee Squabble - Outta Control

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I can only speak to whether or not I find Montgomery's version of events believeable and credible on its face. And based upon MY life's experiences and those of others I explicitly trust, I find Montogomery story plausible until otherwise contradicted. But that is just an opinion, it doesn't make me right or wrong.

This is my point of view exactly. This is the reason I took on the might JR in this thread. This is not about right or wrong here as it relates to our point of view. I know that we would all hope that be just walk away from situations like this, but Montgomery should have never been put in that situation in the first place. I do not care what Bailey's side of the story is, he has not a leg to stand on. If I am going to confront anyone that officiates, I will do it outside of the game, not go to their locker room to make a point. If Bailey gets banned, he got what he deserved. I also cannot speak to what should have been the ultimate result of both officials. I was not there to know if Montgomery did something wrong here. All I know is he had a right to be left alone in the locker room.

Peace

[D1RefnKY]

I know how to dress professionally for a game. I wear a shirt and tie to most games as other officials do as well. The reason that I was dressed this way (casual) that you all have seen in the picture in the C-J was due to the fact that I had spent ALL day with my attorney on Saturday. I was not dressed for the game because I did not think I was going to be granted the injunction in the first place. I was only hopeful that the judge would see my point of view and side with me. However, once the circuit court judge ruled in my favor, I had no time to go home as the injunction was granted at about 5:15 PM and served at 5:30 PM. The game was scheduled to be played at 7:00 PM. I did have my gear…as most officials ALWAYS have their gear in their car – ready to work.

When I stated that “I tried to prevent this,” that was to inform everyone (public) that I exercised options of calling Larry Boucher on Friday night, my attorney informed the KHSAA and my assigning secretary and Jerry Wyman (the person who removed me from the game – who I did not think had the authority to do so) on Saturday morning that we were considering legal action to keep me in the game. We were hopeful that they would put me in the game without legal action. However, they were insistent about keeping me out. Jerry Wyman stated, “Do what you got to do!” So we did…

I discipline kids everyday. I also listen to kids everyday when they have a dispute with a teacher or another student. I give them DUE PROCESS. Understand? I had to act quickly because the game was being played the next day.

I am an educator and I care deeply about the welfare of not only my students, but kids in general. I am not challenging taking me off the 1st game…there was little I could do about it at the time. But I still feel that I was within my rights to challenge being removed by someone who had no authority to do so and then the KHSAA backs up that decision AFTER the fact. Again, the visible part of the “altercation,” (as it is being called) was only after Jerry Wyman took me off both games. I was in the public view because I was attempting to go finish the second half. I was able and ready, but not allowed to finish my job. I disputed the removal with the words I stated in the previously submitted post.

One more thing...I have NO authority to have ANY official removed from a game. From my understanding, the assigning secretary switched the two other officials due to pressure. It is ironic that JTown won the KY state championship too despite having to play the regional final on Monday.

I do not want to air "dirty laundry" about our local association, but note this as well: Darrell Bailey is the president of the KBOA. Form whatever opinions you like regarding this.

A few posters have stated another fact, the courts have intervened in officiating in KY before. They (KHSAA) are mandated to bring blacks to the state tournaments. They bring only what they are mandated to bring...3. No more, no less...regardless if more than 3 are qualified. (3 out of 16)

Last thing, I am not looking for support or politicking for such. I just wanted those who were not informed of everything and were forming negative opinions about me to know my side of what happened. I read as you all do, with an open mind. I hope that if any of you all ever meet me or see me working a game that you will have pleasant thoughts of me. If not, so be it. You are right, we are a fraternity and I agree, this was a very unfortunate incident for all involved.