A scene from "A Few Good Refs"

[dahoopref]

The other night I re-watched the movie with Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson in a heated courtroom examination. Then I thought how funny it would be if Cruise played the role of Billy Packer and Nicholson played a NCAA referee:

So I give you Ex-Col. Nathan Jessep - NCAA Tournament Referee:

"Son, we live in a world that has basketball games. And those games have to be officated by men with whistles. Who's gonna do it? You, Billy Packer? You, Clark Kellog? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Vanderbilt and you curse the referees. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: That Vanderbilt's loss and my no-call, while tragic to some, probably saved the game. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves the game.

You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that court. You need me on that court. We use words like advantage/dis-advantage, pivot foot, primary area...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very officiating I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it. I'd prefer you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a whistle and take the court. Either way, I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU THINK YOU'RE ENTITLED TO!!!"

Unfortunately, Jessep get's hauled off for that no-call and doesn't advance in the tournament.

[JugglingReferee]

Classic post, thanks!

[Mark Dexter]

Good post.

Now can he order a Code Red on Billy Packer?

[mplagrow]

That's absofreakinlutely hilarious! Thanks!

[bigdogrunnin]

That is awesome!

[Zoochy]

I hurt myself from laughing too hard.

[JRutledge]

Wow, someone has a little too much time on their hands. Considering that I saw the end of the movie last night this post is even funnier to me right now.

Peace

[dahoopref]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

Classic post, thanks!

Originally Posted by mplagrow

That's absofreakinlutely hilarious! Thanks!

Thanks. I just got tired of seeing on TV the number of times of referees getting 2nd opinioned and questioned about their competency. I realize that it's part of the job but it seems no one ever sticks up for "us" on TV.

As referees, we may not always agree on a call or a decision by our partners but in the end, who else is gonna be on our side? Especially during the heat of the game.

And to quote my mentor: "When we hit the court, remember there are "3" teams on the floor, not 2."

[grunewar]

Excellent! But, concur that you have absolutely too much time on your hands!

[deecee]

gotta love TNT/TBS -- I watched this too last night -- very creative. nice start to the day. [insert thumbs up smiley here]

[MJT]

Classic movie! Classic post!

[jkjenning]

Stunningly creative post!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Wow, someone has a little too much time on their hands. Considering that I saw the end of the movie last night this post is even funnier to me right now.

Peace

You watch the History Channel, Jeff? I caught this, too, as I was flipping back and forth between UCLA/Kansas and the movie. I've seen the movie, then again, I'd seen this game before, too.
I love that final courtroom scene.

[26 Year Gap]

And to quote my mentor: "When we hit the court, remember there are "3" teams on the floor, not 2."[/QUOTE]

Which is why, when I go to a game as a spectator, I always sit in the referees' section, even if I am the only one there.

[tjones1]

Good stuff! I too saw this movie the other night after the game. Classic post.