NBA fundraiser game

[Mark Padgett]

Years ago we had a game at my local HS between the Portland Trailblazer alumni team and a team of HS teachers to raise funds for the school's athletic fund. I was asked to referee the game with one of the teachers who was a buddy of mine and also a ref. We worked it as if it was a Globetrotter game - using "funny" mechanics, yelling stuff at the players, etc. They loved it. I also gave a jersey and whistle to one of my grandsons and had him work the court as if he was the third official. He was 11 at the time. He made a few calls and the players gave him a high five. During a timeout, I had him go over to the Blazer huddle and issue a T to Michael Harper, who I knew. Everyone just cracked up. It was the most fun I ever had doing a game. And oh yeah - obviously I donated my services.