A very sad post

[Mark Padgett]

Guys - thanks for all your kind words. I attended the memorial service this morning for Jeff, and there were about 300 people there. I recognized at least 75 local basketball officials, so you can kind of get a feel for how many friends Jeff had.

During the service, I was remembering the first game I ever worked with Jeff. He had only been officiating a few weeks, and we had a boys HS varsity rec game. There was a play near mid-court that involved an interpretation of the over and back rule. Jeff made a no call. It was the correct call and, of course, one coach went ballistic.

At halftime, I commended him on the no call. I told him I was very impressed with the fact that such an inexperienced official would recognize exactly what happened.

Jeff laughed and told me that, while he knew there was a rule about that play, he had no idea what it actually was. He said he figured he would just let it go, and if he was wrong, then I would bail him out by blowing my whistle.

Actually, I've worked with a lot of guys who use that theory.

Goodbye, Jeff. Everyone around here will miss your warm smile, big handshake and terrific attitude. You were a great partner, buddy.