JRut -- there comes a time when you have to do what you believe in or put your tail between your legs and keep going the way you were.

Since I dont officiate as my career if I had to put what I believe up against officiating -- well its been fun but the stripes will have to be hung.

Telling my assignor that I do not agree with what happened and I do not want to officiate the game because I feel strongly against how the refs got railroaded, should count for something. If my assignor says do this game or you are done working for me -- well so long chappy its been real. This is black and white - kid was suspended, coach and kid whine to the courts, court overturn a RULE in OUR sport that we are here to uphold. What's fair? where does the line get drawn? the sad thing is if I were to turn this game back there would be 100's of officials just clammoring at the chance to work the game.

I have seen officials complain about "where will the line gets drawn" and when it comes to them then easily step over it. As much as we say we stand behind other officials, the reality is, we do not -- I have worked with so many guys that just cant wait to bad mouth other officials -- that act nice in front of these so called officials they dont like then just stab that knife in their back when they arent looking. WE DONT HAVE OUR OWN BACKS so like the saying "Its for the kids" (which I completely disagree with) -- I also disagree that officials REALLY have other officials backs -- its easy to say but I have seen time and time again officials jump at the chance to screw a fellow official over.

If its different where you work then you are in the promised land of officiating -- no back stabbing, no real support when sh!t hits the fan, to be able to trust everyone that wears the stripes.

One thing I will note is that I have worked with many officials as well that are not what I have described above -- these guys usually have a few things in common -- they have lots of self-confidence, they have put in their time and have made it to a pretty high level pretty fast (D3-D1 even NBA) and they dont always tell me WHAT I want to hear -- the guy that can tell me hey from what I saw you kicked that call becaus of XYZ -- I respect so much more that when I hear you had a perfect game. Because I KNOW i have NEVER had and NEVER will HAVE a perfect game where 100% of the calls are correct. Inherently we will make a mistake during a game (albeit small usually) we are not perfect. But we are catty...[rant off]

I think the Thursday game in Kentucky is on ESPNU.

I appreciate this sentiment, but in this case I don't think I would turn in the game. The court, IMO, has overstepped its bounds in issuing the restraining order allowing Mayo and others to play. However, the WVHSAA, has done its part with the automatic suspension. The state has no control over the judges. As far as I've seen, the state has not yet reached a decision on the ref-bumping.

The state orginization has, to this point, supported its official.

I also do this for fun, but I would like to keep doing it. It is not in my hands to determine who plays and who does not play outside of what I do on the court (playing area). The court (legal system) took a position I do not agree with, but I was not in the decision making process.

The assignor did not make the decision either. This was between the state association and the school and the kid. We have nothing to do with this. Taking a stand as you suggest is kind of silly if you ask me. Who are you taking a stand for?

You keep comparing something about "Having someone's back" and that is not at all the issue. I know I would not be offended if the next set of officials worked a game after I threw a kid out. Sorry, that is a very bad analogy on your part if you ask me.

I do not expect people that have no power in a situation to all of a sudden "back me up" on something that they have little or no control over. I do not consider it back stabbing for someone to do what they are told if they. The officials that work the game likely do not know the ejecting officials and other than this making big news in the media, probably do not know what really happen.

OK.

Peace

I agree. The offiicals will be NCHSAA officials assigned out of the Raliegh area. They have no dog in this fight. Also, this was a judge's court order. The WVSSAC had nothing to do with the TRO. But I did notice that the exceutive director of the WVSSAC is on his way to Huntington today. Hope he lays the law down.

After having read the head coach's statement on what happened in the game, it becomes more evident that, unfortunately, the lack of sportsmanship and accountability is not an issue that is isolated on that team to OJ Mayo. Very disappointing.

Is there anyone at that school and team who is able to look at OJ Mayo's behavior and say "this is not acceptable"? Even if they are convinced that Lazo had it in for Mayo, did Lazo make Mayo taunt his opponent? Did Lazo make Mayo strut past his opponent (who may or may not also have shared some responsibility here)? Did Lazo make Mayo turn and stare down his opponent? Did Lazo make Mayo circle the court and then walk back into the center court area to stare at opponents in an attempt to intimidate them? Did Lazo make Mayo follow him to the scorer's table? Did Lazo make Mayo push away the first teammate who reached him (Mayo) after Lazo's fall? Did Lazo force Mayo to assume the innocent victim language in his (Mayo's) post-incident interviews?

I would like to see the school or someone in leadership say: "No matter what someone else has done, we are concerned with what our player did and it was not acceptable." I don't sense that is coming....

I agree 100%. Good post.

JRut is right. To the NC officials: Work the game. 1st sign of unsportsmanlike conduct? Whack away. That supports your fellow officials.

Unfortunately, Lazo's tumble has hurt the officials' case. Whatever happened, the videotape looks bad. And the affidavits of his 2 partners to the WVSSAC certainly don't help present the image of a united crew.

Like everyone else, having a 2nd official call the 2nd T would've been helpful and a double T would've been preferable.

Good lesson to all aspiring top level HS officials. A great game in front of 9,000 fans can go to Hades fast. Should've been a great moment for all 3 stripes. Instead, I bet all 3 of them wish someone else worked the game. Stay in the game long enough, and you'll get one of these and it'll make you rethink you're enjoyment and commitment to the game - especially when you read the comments by the fans, that ridiculous statement by the HHS coach, and the absurd but successful legal wranglings that once again prove accountability, respect, and sportsmanship are a lost art form to many.

Pathetic all the way around...

Just made another observation (and now I'm going to stop watching that videotape!):

Especially in the myspace video (link on the second page of this thread), you can see that the Capital players are all headed toward the bench after the second T. After the Fall, one Capital player steps toward where Lazo lay and team personnel/adults grab that player back and you never see another Capital player in the screen. Lots of green jerseys milling around, but it looks like Capital has its team under control.

Based solely on the videotape evidence we've seen (which I recognize does not portray the whole picture), I thought I'd at least like to shine a ray of light on something that appears to be handled well. Good job, Capital.

I disagree completely with that. <b>All</b> officials have a dog in this fight imo.

how do they not have a dog in the fight

a fellow official ejected a player who apparently was an azz and bumped him -- he gets to play and just because of location they dont have a dog in the fight.

this is the kind of lack of unity I talk about. grow some gonads and stand up for your job/hobby/prefession whatever you call it.

Actually, the statement that the NC officials have no dog in this fight is right on. Do these guys have anything to gain? I doubt it. Does this kid have anything to gain? Sure, he just showed the world he is more important than anyone else in the game at this level.

The guys working this game will be scrutinized beyond reasonability. They have two choices. Let the players go and risk the game getting out of control (obviously, the coach is useless) or call a tight game and get blamed for "picking on" the next Lebron James no matter how accurate the calls. Of course, a third option is to make sure all the fouls even out, but that wouldn't be right either.

I think you are correct that the officials shouldn't call off. IMO, what should be done is the association notify the organizer of the game that they will not be able to accommodate their request for officials.

The messenger might then want to suggest s/he call the judge who issued the temporary injunction (which is probably not effective in another state) to send three officials down to cover the mess the court created. :D Just kidding, but I would love to see that judges reaction to such a statement.

Those who know me from other boards are aware I'm not a basketball guy, barely a fan at times. However, I am a fan of sports officials, common sense and sportsmanship. From what I've read, it seems two of the three have left the building on this one.

i thought the same thing -- have the judge officiate the damn game

Lack of unity? Can we quit the hyperbole for just a second here? If we were not discussing this here, I would not even know the circumstances. It is not my job to stand by every single official when I do not know the circumstances (and likely the officials working the game have little knowledge of the circumstances) and when the state issued a punishment. The court told them to he could play, not the officials. The state even enforced their rules.

The only person the officials would hurt would be themselves and the assignor who would have to scramble to get replacements at the last minute (which might be harder than you realize). Walking away from the game is not going to change the court's decision or the outcome.

What I would do is OJ and other teammates would be on very thin ice. They better not complain about any calls or taunt any players. I would also feel the same way about the other team because they might try to get under OJ's and his teammates skin. I would be a big part of my pre-game and if OJ decided that he did not want to play along, he would not be around to finish the game.

Peace

From an assignor's point of view, I disagree also.

All this does for an assignor is:
1) lose him greatly-needed officials because they see this crap and say "t'hell with it, it just ain't worth it anymore".
2) wonder if you're inserting yourself into another area's bidness.
3) makes him put his officials on the hot plate. The officials tonight are gonna be scrutinized big time. If Mayo and his dickhead of a coach come out in what looks like their usual "I'm bigger than the game" mode, do the officials back off their normal tolerance of unsporting actions a little so as to not make waves? Don't wanna look like the last crew that couldn't handle the pressure, right? Or do they call their game as usual and nail Mayo or anybody else if they gets out line, knowing that a whole state of fanboys along with Fanboys International are gonna be hollering for their azzes too if they do?
4) maybe this gets him labelled as an assignor who just worries about his own fees rather than whether he's putting his people into a bad situation.

Imo, it's a no-win situation for an assignor too. Personally, I'd tell 'em in a NY minute to go get their officials somewhere else, and let the chips fall where they may. This is high school basketball, not a D1 major conference where you <b>have</b> to have officials out there, no matter what.

You're completely right that it ain't gonna change anything, but at least I'd know that I tried to do something about it, even if was just a meaningless gesture.

JMOPOO....just my own pissed-off opinion.......:)

Here is the problem with what you are saying. Not all assignors are the same. You might be OK with the officials turning games back, but I have worked for and work for people who do not take too kindly to that kind of thing. Even if you are turning back games for very valid reasons I have had assignors get upset with me and others for reasons I cannot fully explain. You might tell the people you assign for to "go F yourself" but I know many assignors who would not do that.

Peace

something funny just happened that I thought you all would like to hear

I just went to the WC to drop the cosby kids off by the pool and lo and behold there was a printout of the "Mayo allowed to play" article on the floor...

who the @#$@# in this building besides ME knows and cares...

After reviewing the video from YouTube, I'd like to point out that you can't see below the waist when the bump occurs. Rather then a bump, there may have been some tripping involved here. Whether that is able to be determined as intentional or what is up to interpretation.

This KID seemed to be strutting around looking for trouble. I would love to know what was said when he came back to mid court.

Then again, just reinserting himself into a confrontational situation is enough to dump him, IMO.

AFA bump or trip, it doesn't really make any difference how it occured and whether it was intentional or not. The player shouldn't be trailing the official to the table. For that matter, the POS coach should have been out there babysitting his player.

According to one of my buddies that was in the locker room immediately after the game, Mike DID tell him 2 times not to go back into the group. THAT's why he stuck him the 2nd time. That's also in Mike's report. I haven't read everything past this one yet but Mike's report to the WVSSAC is on www.wsaz.com

A lot of people are talking about the assignor here. Huntington plays in the Mountain State Athletic Conference - 16 of the larger schools in the southern and central part of the state. The commissioner of the league schedules all the home games for football and basketball (conference and non-conference). Our games are usually assigned in March or April for a large part of the next season. We are sent contracts and we sign them and mail them back to the commissioner. Of course since we are assigned as individuals, we have to wait to find out who our partners are. We have a website that we can log onto in May to find that out. The commissioner would, though, find someone to fill the games. He's paid a salary - not a fee, and probably not enough to really be worth the crap he goes through: 32 teams (16 boys/16 girls) for 20 games . . . 300+ officials and he does another conference for the smaller schools in the area.

In a funny twist of fate, one of the other officials has Huntington's game on Monday night. At least it won't be AT Huntington . . . I have the Hutington girls game on Tuesday - thankfully, OJ doesn't play for the girls team!

Wow. So hard not to comment when I wasn't there and didn't hear anything. I'll just throw two more things out here, though:

1. What Mayo reports Lazo said to him in the lane before free throws really sounds like something an official would say to a player.:rolleyes: ........or it sounds like a 12-year-old's poorly contrived attempt at falsifying a material pattern of persecution. I'm surprised his attorney didn't have him change that statement around a bit to make it sound (somehow) more believable.

2. Someone should buy Coach a typewriter.

I spoke to Lazo today and he has been going through some stuff the last couple of days. He sounded like he was beat. He told me that the only time he can get this situation off his mind is when he is officiating. I just told him to keep his head up. This bothers me because this is basically a situation where an official's judgement has been questioned to the point of going to court. What is next? Here are some parts of the ESPN article. Lazo did tell me that the New York Times called his cell phone.

Under state athletics rules, the penalty for receiving two technical fouls in a game or being ejected from a game is a two-game suspension. A student who "in protest lays hands or attempts to lay hands upon an official" can be declared ineligible for up to a year.
Mayo's five teammates were suspended for leaving the bench area. Upon his ejection, Mayo was escorted off the court by a police officer.
"We feel O.J. certainly didn't do anything intentional," his attorney, Mike Woelfel, who also is an assistant coach at Huntington, told The Herald-Dispatch on Monday. "If there was contact, it was inadvertent or may have been accidentally initiated by the referee himself."
Huntington (15-0) is ranked second and Artesia (21-1) No. 11 in the most recent USA Today Super 25 boys basketball rankings. Huntington also is scheduled to play Friday against Scott County (Ky.) in Lexington, Ky.
Under SSAC rules, if a student plays under a restraining order that is later reversed, the team could be forced to forfeit any victories in which the student played. Mike Hayden, executive director of the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission, didn't immediately return a telephone message Tuesday.
Mayo signed a letter of intent in November to play next season at USC.
The New York Times, in a story reported in Tuesday's editions, detailed the events that led to Mayo's ejection:
• Mayo was called for his first technical foul for taunting after a dunk late in the second half against Capital. Following that whistle, he walked to midcourt, where players from both teams had gathered and were jawing. Mayo then walked away.
• The second technical was called after Mayo walked back toward the players gathered at midcourt. From the video, which has been available on the Internet via the Web site of WSAZ in West Virginia, Mayo does not appear to say or do anything, The Times reported.
• But when Lazo, the official, walked to the scorer's table to report the technical, Mayo followed and appeared to make subtle, if any, contact with Lazo. The official then dropped suddenly to the ground. On the video, The Times said, it appeared Lazo's fall was exaggerated.
Lazo could not be reached for comment Monday, according to The Times.
"This official wanted to be the star of the show," William Bands, a lawyer in Charleston who watched from the stands, said, according to The Times. "That resulted in a situation that could have cost Huntington High School and the state of West Virginia a once-in-a-lifetime honor, to win a mythical national championship."

1. HHS's head coach does not have much integrity after his statements.
2. HHS's asst coach has less integrity than the head coach. Why would he want to represent this player who clearly did wrong? Oh yea, he also wants to win the "national title".
3. He was not ejected for the bump so let's forget about that for a minute. He received 2 T's and was ejected. IMO, both were warrented although it would have been way way better if one of the other officials had participated.
4. Seems like a teammate or 2 would have gotten ahold of OJ and kept him away from the second.
5. OJ is now officially bigger than the game.
6. As Dan said earlier...of course a WV judge would allow him to play. Let another state judge make this decision and I bet it wouldn't turn out the same.
7. This Judge is now officially bigger than the game.
8. The fall didn't seem to match the bump. I'd probably no-call that contact.
9. IMO, the officials should not give up the game. If that's going to happen, the entire association needs to stand united on that decision.
10. What's up with the news reporter carrying on about a WWF match? Sounds like he's one of the HHS homers from that blog site.
11. Those folks on the blog are obviously fans who watch with their hearts and not their eyes/minds.
12. It's funny how when interviewed, OJ almost became the victum for not getting to represent WV. That's all he ever wanted to do.
13. What about any other player or coach that gets 2 T's in the future? Are they going to have to add another play in the casebook to help us understand how to handle this in the future? I would hate to eject a kid for 2 T's and he's really supposed to keep playing..!!?? :eek:

That's all I've got to say for now. If I have more later, I'll report back. Stay tuned. :D

I think it's truly sad that the courts chose to issue the TROs instead of simply dismissing the case. There are some places where the courts simply don't belong, and they need to have the wisdom to stay out of those areas.

As for the asst. coach, why are we piling on him? He's doing what any lawyer does, representing his client. He shouldn't be disinterested. If I retained a lawyer and found him to be disinterested, I would find a new one. If I'm going to court, I want somebody who truly is on my side.

That's not to say I think the coaching staff has any integrity at all. But I think piling on about his role as a lawyer is baseless.

He's an attorney. You want him to have integrity?:eek::confused:

BITS,
While I don't condone "piling" on...I don't think this guy should represent Mayo in this situation. He clearly has a conflict of interest as the outcome of the case directly affects him, with that in mind he can't present clearly all the options and advise which may be the best option.

I also don't condone the "piling on". This guy has a job to do and it is not to represent the best option overall, its to represent the best option for his client. Therefore BITS has it nailed.

Ok, not being an attorney, but having to live through the hell of a daughter just graduating law school, the assistant coach should know better. He has an inherent conflict of interest. He, as a coach, has two clients: the school and now the player. The best interests of one do not necessarily match the best interests of the other. He should either resign as coach, or advise JO to get his own attorney.

The interests of the coach/lawyer, school and player/client are the same; they all are seeking the same resolution .. that Mayo play, there is no "conflict".

This is only true if you assume the school administration is as ethically challenged as the coach appears to be.

Is there any doubt.

The interests of the coach/lawyer, school and player/client are the same; they all are seeking the same resolution .. that Mayo play, there is no "conflict".

Not true. If an attorney has an interest in the matter then there is a conflict. Being on the same side as the client is does not mean there is no conflict. The only way the attorney can proceed to represent a party in this situation is for all client/parties (player/coach/school) to waive the conflict. As soon as there is a conflict between any two of the client/parties, the coach/attorney will need to withdraw.

So, anyone see the game LAST night, against the team from California?

I didn't see it, but read news reports on the game. Mayo fouled out with the result still in doubt, but HHS won anyway.

Damn those refs for fouling him out again...I paid my $$ to see OJ play...let him play you damn refs!!:rolleyes:

Ok, always wanted to be an obnoxious fan for a minute...why are people assuming that the administration of HHS had anything to do with this court proceeding? Did I miss something? The injunctive relief was sought by the Mayo kid, his parents, and the parents of the other kids who were suspended. Why does that equate to the admin not having any integrity??

The player is being represnted by the assistant coach. A coach is part of the administration of the school. The school administration is thereby involved.

So I've heard. . .

the admin has no integrity by choosing to allow this young man to play. Even though a judge stepped in it is still up to the schools administration (athletic director, Principal) to decide if he should be allowed to play. They haven't taught this kid anything except that he is for now above the law....

Phil

My thoughts EXACTLY, with the one addition.

Uhmmm, people, if the courts have said that the players are to be allowed to play, then the administration of the school can't stop them from playing - that's what the TRO or injunction was for in the first place...as far as the lawyer/assistant coach goes, wait and see if the administration handles him after the season, but they certainly can't do anything about him being the kid's lawyer...

Really? Is the judge on the HS Board? How are the kids going to play when the school cancels the transportation and hotel accommodations? Is the judge going to pay for that, also?

And who hires the coach? That's right, the school which means they can terminate him for cause anytime, and in some states (don't know about WV), cause is not necessary.

Yeah, the school does have the authority to determine who represents the school ON the court and IN the court.

All the court did was say that the WVSSAC or whatever it's called couldn't enforce the suspension yet. But that doesn't stop the coach from letting the kid dress, and then sitting him on the bench the whole game. If the coach wanted to "do the right thing," that's exactly what he'd do.

Exactly!
 

That would have been the right thing to do - hopefully teach the kid a lesson.

Here's my bet that this "star" has a rough time in college following the rules and probably will fizzle out down the road.

And I would blame the school for not doing their part to teach him anything about integrity etc.,

Let's see how many guys do we read about daily that are now in trouble with the law - and its only going to keep getting worse because of situations like this one.

turn off rant now

Thanks
David

Here's my bet. Mayo will go to USC and they'll kiss his butt just like his high schools and AAU teams did. The only difference is that he'll get paid better. Some USC booster(s) will take care of him up into the six figure range, just like Reggie Bush. He'll stay exactly the one year at USC that he has to under the new NBA rule, and then he'll be gone to the NBA.

Do <b>you</b> wanna bet on which one of us is closer to the way it shakes out?:D

Btw, if anybody thinks thinks that this kid isn't getting something under the table right now at the high school he's playing for, well, I got this ocean-front property down in Fla. for sale.:rolleyes:

Various comments on some of the comments here:

• The judge is a Huntington circuit court judge - do you think he'd rule against OJ?
• The assistant coach is not part of the school administration - he is simply an assistant coach of the team. The principal has said publically that they were not a part of the legal proceedings and that their position is that OJ has been suspended and should sit the next two games - then the court ruled otherwise.
• OJ really doesn't need to worry about rules in college - or classes either for that matter - he's going to USC next year and then the NBA after that. He would be a certain lottery pick this year if he were allowed to participate in the draft.
• This morning they interviewed the guy that keeps the clock at the Civic Center - he's a very nice guy. His exact words were "WHEN (empahsis mine) OJ bumped the official it appeared their legs got tangled."

Now for an update - according to my sources, the situation is settled. I'm not at liberty to divulge the details until the story breaks publically, but I think people will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. I think that it will put some closure to the entire situation. Hopefully, I'll be able to post the details tomorrow, if it's not already posted somewhere on the net . . . Apparently, OJ and Mike Hayden reached an agreement before OJ left for Durham.

Who's paying him? How much do you want for the property? (Isn't the joke - ocean front property in Iowa?):D

That doesn't surprise me one bit, Larry. I can't imagine <b>any</b> official taking a deliberate dive.

Thanks for the update.

You're probably right~!
 

We had a guy from MS last year, same kind of deal and he did make it to the NBA but is a l ooooong way from being a regular.

The kid would never have made it in college though period, ;)
Thanks
David

JR has it right. He's gonna make it in the NBA. He's the best HS player since Lebron. This kid really is incredible - one of the best defensive players I have ever seen at the HS level. I think it's unfair to judge his ability to make it through college based on his antics as a HS player. When a college coach gets a kid, the right coach, they can certainly change a kid. I've heard that OJ is a very polite young man normally and some say this is an unusual situation for him. He will eventually be a very good player in the NBA and I'll bet sooner than later . . .

Because the school needs to step up and say "since YOU got 2T's and were ejected from the game, you must sit the next game or 2" (whatever their conference rule is). Since they are not stepping up, it leads me to believe that their basketball team winning a game is a more importnant lesson to teach their student body than following rules.

Wilbon was great on PTI last night. Called the player a thug and wished that there were more Bobby Knight attitude adjustments for that kind of behavior. This player goes into the same category as that jerk who played for LA & Denver and went after officials. Can't remember his name, and that's the way it should be.

Well sometimes ...
 

Yeah if you say so . Everyone says that every year - of course the best though was Kobe Bryant, he was the best not Lebron - Lebron just got more hype because he was more current.

And the league was a LOT more competitive when Kobe came into the league. It doesn't take as much talent to make it to the NBA anymore, since its gotten so watered down.

What's the shooting % in the NBA this year?

But we'll see.

Thanks
David

If he was going to do his job and be a judge, yes. If he was going to wade into corruption, no.

Possible different there in WV. Here in KS every coach is required to be an employee of the school and is definately part of the administration of the school. Even if there is no employee-employer relationship, the fact that the individual is a coach for the school makes him part of the administration of the school in my book.

Maybe he doesn't need to worry about it, but USC certainly does.

If you read the complaint, one of the funniest things in there is that the suspension could possible ruin Mayo's reputation. Ironic, since his actions, particularly filing the lawsuit itself, have far more damage his reputation than meekly serving the suspension ever could.

Maybe he is just a nice guy off the court, but it's clear that most of us here on the board, and I would wager most officials, will never see him as more than a thug.

Naw, I don't see him as a thug. He's a kid. Let's see how he turns out before we label him as <b>anything.</b> He's like any other teenager right now. He's got one heckuva lot of growing up and maturing to do. He might end up as one of the real solid citizens in the NBA...and life, and personally I hope he does.

If we're gonna blame anyone, blame the damn system that turns these kids out and gives them that false sense of entitlement.

I'll agree that it's the system's fault and join you in wishing he turns out well, but realistically it's not in the cards. He won't stay in college long enough for that coach to make a difference and in the NBA what do they care so long as you're on the court and not in court?

whaaaaat?? when did the NBA care if you were in court???? Just so long as you are ON the court LOL :D

Going to college is not going to automatically make you a great human being. Calling a kid a thug is also a little much. He was not arrested, he did not do anything illegal as of yet. There are several kids that have come out of HS and went straight to the NBA and they are nothing but fine young men. If anything the young man made a mistake and he needed an adult to show him how he needs to learn from that situation. The coaches, schools or parents could have all stepped in and not let this get so far. I know I made a lot of mistakes when I was his age, but it was not in the media and it was not as public. I also know many like myself and had worse problems and they are very productive people. I think sometimes here we really lose sight of the bigger picture.

Peace

Player Disciplined....but no details
 

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/apps/...19/1001/NEWS10

Huntington High School has taken disciplinary action against one of the Huntington High basketball players for their conduct during last week’s game against Capital at the Charleston Civic Center.

However, school officials are not saying who the player is or whether the action includes game or school suspensions, or both.

Jedd Flowers, director of communications for Cabell County Schools, said the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act prohibits Huntington High from releasing disciplinary action against a student.

Well.......I wonder if the fanboys will go after an injunction against the principal now too. :)

The key information:

Sources tell WSAZ Sports Director Keith Morehouse that Principal Greg Webb has decided to suspend Mayo from sports for 14 days due to his conduct at the game against Capital High School on Friday, January 26.

WSAZ has also been told that the suspension will not start until after Friday's game against Scott County. The 14-day suspension will affect four games.

Good move, Mr. Webb.

From what I heard, he's going to serve a 14-day suspension beginning Monday. That will cause him to miss the Scott, KY game at home and the Capital rematch in the MSAC title game - it's like 4 or 5 games he will miss. That's probably less than deserved but more than most of us thought he'd get.

According to my sources, he admitted to Mike Hayden that he did bump Lazo and agreed to the suspension before he left for NC on Tuesday. I actually knew this Tuesday afternoon but had to wait till the news was "official".

Notice how the suspension doesn't start until <B>after</B> Friday's game against Scott County, and not immediately. Gotta keep him in those high-profile games.

The fanboys will never accept that, even if Mayo signs an affadavit that he did so. They'll blame it on the stripes, no matter what.

Mayo is quoted in an article in the previously referenced newspaper that he "brushed up against" but did not "intentionally bump" the official. He also said the official's legs got tangled which substantiates what Mountaineer says he was told by the scorekeeper.

I talked to Lazo and I didn't believe he took a dive anyway.

Chris, you miss the point. The judge would not allow the player to be suspended this week, by the state, the school or anyone else. If the school had tried to suspend him this week, they would have been going against a court order.

Why would anyone? It makes no sense and sounded more and more stupid every time someone posted it.

There was physical contact and Mayo initiated it. Whether there was a dive or not is a moot point anyway. Typical fanboy nonsense.

Interesting tidbits on the nfhs board. Including the official's report which was faxed to the press.

The official's report was included in the court filings. So was the coach's report. And that of the other two officials. That made them public records, which were put on the Web by several West Virginia media outlets.

If you want to read all the court proceedings, click here: http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/5410146.html

Neither did I. Mike is an intelligent guy but I know of no one that can think quick enough to get bumped and then decide to fake a fall. There were actually fans that made the statement that Mike planned the whole thing - incredible, huh?

IMO, we are a society that loves the sensational. The media and experts say Mayo is the next LeBron and everyone involved wants to see the show rules be damned. Every year there is the next best player coming out and things like this just don't happen while a player of this supposed magnitude is in the spotlight. So after all the great players that have went on to D1, Mayo was singled out by an official and the official forced him to bump the official? Someone who is actually considered a professional, a judge, actually allowed this mess to go unpunished allowing the player to play in an "important" game. This is our society.
On another/better note, did Sportscenter ever run the story about Scottie Reynolds in high school? This is a kid who was late for games because he had a conflict with Bible class! That story isn't as sensational as a player playing withing the guidelines of the rules, but I think he is doing pretty good in the Big East right now.

Don't be such a pawn/lemming. Many people don't understand the fact that Kobe spent many of his young years in another country and has had trouble fitting in here.

Furthermore, yeah whatever. :D

If you look at the report, you will see that it was faxed from the association directly to the media. Once it became a court document, it became public, but that is not how it happened. Alledgedly.

I don't think this is right. The TRO was issued against the WVSSA (or whatever the initials are). The school was not and is not restrained by that legal proceeding in any way. If the school had tried to do something, too, perhaps Mayo would have sought a TRO against it, but the school itself is not prevented from suspending a player just because he got a TRO against the WVSSA.

Never stops
 

Watching ESPN this morning and first thing they are complaining because Anthony doesn't get picked by the coaches for the All-Star game.

The coaches seem to have gotten the point that the NBA is perceived as being nothing but "bad guys".

Now to see if Stern follows suit and doesn't put him on the team as a replacement for the injured.

Thanks
David

I don't know that we know that for a fact but....let's say the school wasn't covered by the TRO. They suspend him. He goes back to court, to the same judge and gets another TRO. What's the point?

Makes no difference, he wasn't going to be suspended this week.

The point is doing what the school should do. Just because the judge is irresponsible doesn't mean that the school shouldn't follow through with what it should do. Make the judge issue the TRO.

Gosh, I'd never wish the kid get hurt. They are losing mid-way through the 3rd qtr. though - now THAT would be swwwwwwweeeeeeet justice.

Since when did a small handfull become plenty?

No, not really. We had a situation around here a few years back and the school was told they could not suspend the kids from any games. The coach had his ADs support and they dressed the kids out but none of the kids in trouble ever took off their warm ups. A judge might be able to tell you that you cannot suspend someone but he can't tell you who you've gotta play or what defense you have to run.

Justice
 

For those that are interested - Huntington lost tonight. The dream season is finished. Awwwwwwwww . . .;)

And that's Lazo's fault too. He's got their minds all preoccupied. :rolleyes:

Yeah, I guess you are right - it was a toss up in my mind between Lazo and George Bush.

The national championship will remain "mythical."

FUNNY comment
 

I just heard an interview with OJ after their big 4 point loss tonight. If you've never heard him speak you should hear him - he sounds like he has a mouthful of bread in his mouth when he's talking. Anyway, he said "We'll see what happens in WV - they had Kentucky refs and we'll have WV refs so we'll see what happens then"

Is he saying he wants Lazo back for that game?:eek:

Are you serious? The kid really said that?

What a dickhead! He just dumped on 2 complete state's officials. He dumped on Kentucky refs for either being bad or homers. And he's also telling the world that WV refs are homers too. Lah me......

That's why they get PR people for these kids. They need somebody to do the talking for them until they learn to become bland and boring like most other pro athletes.

I'll preface by saying I don't know any details about the Player or Ref in this instance but by the tape of the 'flop' it looks more bogus than a WWF main event. Why did he get two T's?

Sigh.....

Mayo has already admitted that he brushed the official and then tangled legs. Iow, he freaking knocked the official down, intentional or not. But hey, don't believe that. It really was completely bogus. The ref deliberately planned to take that dive, just like you're saying. Yup, he planned it all the night before in a secret meeting. It's nothing but a conspiracy against the ballplayer. :eek:

Please tell me that you're not an official. You don't know any details but it's all the official's fault.

I said the same thing on page 1, JR. I wasn't saying that the official took a flop, I was saying it certainly APPEARED that way. I'm happy I was wrong and figured I was, but it didn't change my impression of that at the time.

Well, Rich, everybody gets their opinion and this is where ours differ. I'll give any official the benefit of the maximum doubt until I either hear their side of the story or I can find out more of the details of everything that happened. Until that time, I'd never dream of second-guessing them publicly. I've been on the other side before too, and I've heard comments like "even his fellow officials say he was wrong".

I usually try to place myself in the official's shoes. And I never could really see any official taking a dive in a high-profile game like that.

In what kind of game COULD you see an official take a dive?
:D

Any Harlem Diplomats game.

OJ Mayo was ruled ineligible by the OhioHSAA. The reason being that he entered Cincinnati (Ohio) North College Hill H.S. as a freshmen in Fall 2003. He played basketball for North College Hill H.S. for three (3) years. A student-athlete is only allowed eight (8) semesters of eligilbity from the time he enters H.S. OJ Mayo was no longer eligible to play sports for any OhioHSAA member schools. He was ruled ineligible because he played H.S. basketball in Kentucky as an eighth grader during the 2002-03 school year. During the 2002-03 school year he lead Rose Hill (Kent.) Christian Acad. to the KentuckyHSAA Sweet 16 and was named First Team All-State in Kentucky.

MTD, Sr.

I know this issue has been "resolved," but . . . click on the link in the quote and watch the video. As Mayo walks away after receiving the first "T," watch the interaction with the capital players. There will be a "spotlight" on Mayo . . .

Did anyone else notice the elbow that the capital player (#12) throws on Mayo as he walks by?? Just curious . . . It wasn't "BAD," but in that situation, as an official, I am always looking for that kind of stuff. You think a player might retaliate in that situation . . . I do.

I watched that 5 times looking for it, and I <b>still</b> haven't seen #12 stick out an elbow. #12 was just standing there; he sureasheck didn't move into Mayo's path or anything like that. There was no need for Mayo to walk that close to him in the first place. He was just pulling the usual <i>macho</i> crap imo.

Methinks, for some reason, you're looking for an excuse for Mayo when there just isn't one on that play.

ESPN still behind the player ... sigh!
 

sufin through ESPN and an article on Mayo's long week and the writers are still saying that the official took a dive in the game.

Do they not read the papers that where Mayo admits he bumped the ref?

I know in watching the video it all looked strange, but he bumped the ref, that;s all that matters IMO

Oh well, life continues.

Thanks
DAvid