He told them, "No!"

[zebraman]

Originally Posted by tomegun

Ladies and gentlemen, not having aspirations for the next level - and comparing those aspirations to a high school ref - cannot be the answer for every situation similar to this. I think it should be obvious that after officiating the summer league in Las Vegas and doing some pre-season NBA games, Tony Greene's aspirations were to go to the next level. The "aspirations" tag is used too much; this official was on his way and his decision had nothing to do with his job or his aspirations.

You don't know that. None of us do. I was merely speculating just like you are.

I got picked up for CC ball about 6 summers ago. I was very excited. By the time the season rolled around and it sunk in of how much I would be gone and how it might affect my real career, I decided to decline.

More power to those of you who want to climb the top. I'm proud of all of you and I admire the officials I see do that. But it isn't for me. For professionals who make over 6 figures and want to be involved in their kid's lives on a daily basis, the sacrifice may not be worth it. The NBA lifestyle would be even more "life interrupting." Regardless of the reason, Tony decided against it. Obviously, something else is more important to him.

I'll always be a little ol' HS ref and I've come to terms with that. Somehow I think I'll be pretty proud of my decision when I hang up the old sneakers and look back on my journeyman officiating career.

Z

[tomegun]

Someone has mentioned Tony Greene before and I decided to make a post about the fact that he turned the NBA down. This was not and is not intended to force anyone else to defend what they want out of basketball. Everyone is different and make decisions accordingly. It has almost become a defense mechanism to say "Everyone doesn't aspire..." Chill out.

I do know why he declined and it isn't any reason that's been mentioned thus far. I will NOT say why I was told he declined on this forum. If someone wants to know why, I will tell them over the phone. That way, I can deny it later.

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by tomegun

I do know why he declined and it isn't any reason that's been mentioned thus far. I will NOT say why I was told he declined on this forum. If someone wants to know why, I will tell them over the phone. That way, I can deny it later.

So did Mr. Greene tell you himself why he declined, or were you told by someone who heard it from someone who heard it from someone who heard it (ad nauseum)...makes a difference, ya know.

And btw - I agree with Dan.

[eiguaram55ref]

sometimes we game officials can't handle pressure--more games and
experience ovecome those pressure.

I think most referees in the lower league dreams to become an NBA ref.