Great article on the retiring Ed Hightower
 

Illustrates why some official have great success and longevity even though many of us (myself included) like to pick apart what we see them doing on TV.

True Dat
 

From the article:

"Let me tell you about fans," Hightower said with a laugh. "You can make the absolute worst call in the world, but if it goes for their team, they'll cheer."

Well written. Probably the first time I've ever read a Yahoo article all the way through.

I've often laughed at Ed's mannerisms but he definitely has left a positive mark on the profession.

Funny story about Ed H.
 

I went to Kansas State (a Big 8 school) back in the 1980's. Ed Hightower called a 10 second violation against us when the shot clock showed 21 (30 sec shot clock). I had a chance later to ask our head coach at the time, Lon Kruger, what he said to Ed after the call. In defense of his call, Ed said "Coach, my job is to flap my arm 10 times and then call a violation". Kruger replied, "No Ed, you job is to count to 10".

The NCAA men's game has never used a 30-second shot clock.