Letter to Big South Commish regarding Joe Forte

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Let’s be honest, Joe Forte and all the other NBA referees have every right and reason to lose respect for the college referees who have chosen to work for the NBA during the lockout. Every “scab” referee who has agreed to work during this time has significantly weakened the referee’s bargaining position with the League. I commend those officials who refused the NBA’s offer. It’s ironic that ncaambbref says that it’s always been a dream of his to work as an NBA referee, yet he fails to recognize and respect the recent sacrifices made by Joe Forte and the other NBA referees as they demand fair compensation and benefits and fight for the integrity of their profession, not only for current referees but for all those referees who join the League in the future.

Ncaambbref, you have chosen to work for the NBA during the lockout, you are an independent contractor with the NCAA, and as an independent contractor you have never been entitled to game assignments in any conference. Those assigning referees to NCAA games SHOULD give the games to the officials who have shown their loyalty to college basketball and are not currently working for the NBA.

My guess is that ncaambbref didn’t sign this letter because he’s been advised that if Joe Forte is fired or publicly reprimanded based on these ridiculous and unproven accusations, ncaambbref will be defending himself in a defamation suit.

FACT CHECK: Joe Forte, Steve Javie and others REFUSED to work the lockout in the early 80’s prior to being hired by the NBA. Clearly, he’s no hypocrite.