UConn vs Marquette Fiasco (Letter to John Adams and Coordinators)

[Scrapper1]

Yup, they screwed up. They screwed up a basic rule. They tried to fix it by "doing the right thing", and compounded it. I personally don't see that as a travesty for all basketball officiating. I would have no problem with them having to give back a game or two in the Big East. But I can't imagine that this is a fireable offense.

I don't know anything about what motivated you to write this open letter, but I find this sentence curious:

Originally Posted by DevonMoore

It is also apparent to me that when you see the number of games these officials work (bbstate.com), there is more arrogance demonstrated by these “Big Time” officials than there is concentration and knowledge of the rules.

How exactly is any arrogance apparent in this situation? How exactly can you see arrogance in any official's schedule? That truly perplexes me. It makes absolutely no sense at all. You probably don't anything about any of them personally. I know one of them personally and have been observed by another one at camp. If they are arrogant, it's certainly not "apparent" when you talk to them in person; so I have no idea how it can be apparent from looking at a list of games.

[bob jenkins]

Agreed that they messed up. Agreed they should be disciplined -- and I think they will be.

But:
1) It's not Adams' job to do this - -he doesn't control the conference assignments.
2) Your "travesty" and "arrogance" comments seem over the top (as others have mentioned).
3) While "free speech" is a right, it's not applicable here.
4) BCS Conference is a football term and has nothing to do with basketball.
5) The play itself is no different from any other missed call that happens with just under 5 minutes to go in a game (or for that matter at any other time) -- it affects the game, but it doesn't cost a team the game.

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Agreed that they messed up. Agreed they should be disciplined -- and I think they will be.

But:
1) It's not Adams' job to do this - -he doesn't control the conference assignments.
2) Your "travesty" and "arrogance" comments seem over the top (as others have mentioned).
3) While "free speech" is a right, it's not applicable here.
4) BCS Conference is a football term and has nothing to do with basketball.
5) The play itself is no different from any other missed call that happens with just under 5 minutes to go in a game (or for that matter at any other time) -- it affects the game, but it doesn't cost a team the game.

Like always... I agree with bob.

[asdf]

My suggestion to Mr Moore is to stick to writing letters to Penthouse.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

Yup, they screwed up. They screwed up a basic rule.

Perhaps the players assumed it was like the beginning of the game, since that is also when there is a jump ball. The officials did check the directions. That's a bad error at that level, imho.

[Smitty]

I am wondering if the OP might, just might be from Connecticut or affiliated with UConn. The letter reeks of bias and will likely be given as much weight if and when it is read by anyone on the receiving end.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by Smitty

I am wondering if the OP might, just might be from Connecticut or affiliated with UConn. The letter reeks of bias and will likely be given as much weight if and when it is read by anyone on the receiving end.

I think you're on to something...

Additionally, disallowing the basket may have cost UConn the game

[Rich]

It's a bit early for the fanboys to be coming out of the woodwork.

Or did I miss January and February entirely?

[DLH17]

Before "we" flog the officials for "taking 2 points away from" and "possibly losing the game for" UConn, maybe we should evaluate every single one of Calhoun's in game mistakes and all of his player's mistakes - you know, stuff like subbing incorrectly, leaving a player in too long, not calling a timeout when really needed, missed layups, shooting the ball too early in the play clock, taking a bad foul.

Wait, none of those things directly affect the outcome of the game.

Only officials can do that. LOL.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by DLH17

Maybe we should evaluate every single one of Calhoun's in game mistakes - you know, stuff like subbing incorrectly, leaving a player in too long, not calling a timeout when really needed.

Jim Calhoun is in his Lazy Boy recliner, not subbing, and not requesting timeouts. He retired back in the fall. Kevin Ollie is now the head coach, originally he got a one year "tryout" contract, but now he has signed a long term contract. There's certainly a lot less swearing from the bench with Ollie coaching.

[DevonMoore]

Again, some of you are more concerned about me and my intentions without regard to the CONTENT of the letter. My affiliation or intent is not the issue here. Supportive of the officials you suggest? Misapplication of rules by three FF officials is UNACCEPTABLE! How can you be supportive of that?

Instead of coming at me, I have yet to read one response that justifies their actions. Where's the accountability? You never know if this ONE game costs Uconn its place in the BE tourney or selection committee seeding...one never knows the IMPACT of our mistakes as officials.

Yes I beleive some work too much; how can they concentrate and maintain their intensity night in and night out? It is too hard.

It was not a simple error...as in judgement. It was a MISSED APPLIED RULE by 3 guys who are supposed to be the best. Karl Hess can't tell me anything at a future camp since he can't even line players up correctly and doesn't know the third article of rule 5. Has he even read the rule book? But hey, ALL of them are equally at fault. It was a TRAVESTY...ask UConn if THEY feel that way.

Regarding death sentence: most everyone on here does not use his/her real name because you really cannot say what you want without fear of retailiation in some form or fashion. Period.

[kwv001]

Originally Posted by DLH17

Before "we" flog the officials for "taking 2 points away from" and "possibly losing the game for" UConn, maybe we should evaluate every single one of Calhoun's in game mistakes...

Funny, but I don't think Jim Calhoun made a single mistake during the game yesterday...

[DevonMoore]

DLH ~

This is part of the arrogance I referred to as well. It is NOT our job to evaluate what a coach does or does not. We are guardians of the game and despite everything, we MUST know the rules of the game...or not officiate the game!