Higgins

[ShockRef]

Prez

Officiating in college basketball is hideous, has been for years. I don't necessarily think refs are out trying to throw games one way or another, but they are human and are grossly under-trained and over-worked. Factor in the institution they work for, one of the most corrupt around, and there is very good reason to suspect nefarious intentions when it comes to big name teams advancing over lesser knowns. This nonsense of UK fans going after Higgins is unfortunate, because it draws attention away from the fact that NCAA officiating is horrible!!

I've lately noticed another disturbing trend, in both basketball and football; commentators are increasingly reluctant to criticize officials and often times will not show replays of questionable calls. This reeks of collusion between the NCAA and ESPN. I don't typically go in for conspiracy theories, but it's getting hard to overlook.

This is a good summary of the state of college bball officiating, imo, http://www.bannersontheparkway.com/2...he-officiating. It's a couple years old now, but spot on, again imo.

Prez,
Here is your invite to come to camp with yours truly this summer and let you see me what you are made of.
If you are half as good at the profession as you think you are are, you will be twice as good at the profession as you really are at the end of camp.

I've seen at least 100 times on the face of those who thought they know whats its all about vs those who finally find out what its really all about once they don the stripes and actually try to blow the whistle and make the right call.

Just let me know when you are ready to pluck down $500.00 for the chance to try and learn how to make the right call.

That is all.

[molly jabali]

My father was roommates with Cleo Littleton on track trips except in towns like yours (Houston), where Cleo was not allowed to stay in the same hotel as the rest of the team. So yes I will pat myself on the back a little.

This...very good on your dad for doing the right thing....

[DwShock]

Does anyone know if Higgins works AAC games? I know he does valley and big 12-2 but not sure what other conferences he works.

[ky-mike]

Even the local media thinks that UK hasn't done enough to address their fan base.

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/tim-sullivan/2017/03/30/sullivan-uk-should-take-stand-against-abusive-fans/99823826/

[ShockerPhi]

Prez,
Here is your invite to come to camp with yours truly this summer and let you see me what you are made of.
If you are half as good at the profession as you think you are are, you will be twice as good at the profession as you really are at the end of camp.

I've seen at least 100 times on the face of those who thought they know whats its all about vs those who finally find out what its really all about once they don the stripes and actually try to blow the whistle and make the right call.

Just let me know when you are ready to pluck down $500.00 for the chance to try and learn how to make the right call.

That is all.

Show me where he was claiming he could do a better job. He even said "but they are human and are grossly under-trained and over-worked." Ease up there, hot shot.

[1972Shocker]

Does anyone know if Higgins works AAC games? I know he does valley and big 12-2 but not sure what other conferences he works.

My guess is he probably does especially those in the western part of the league. I would like to see him get assigned to every Kentucky game next year then have the NCAA declare every game a forteit due to the behaviour of Kentucky fans and the risk of violence and grave personal injury or death to Higgins and his fellow referees.

I find it a bit sad that the media only thinks the Kentucky fans have crossed the line when they got to the point of death threats. I think they were way over the line with the calls to the personal residence of Higgins and the internet attacks on his business. The death threats are just make it exponentially worse.

[ShockerDropOut]

Being a ref is a thankless job. You are almost assured that at least half of the fans will think you suck. It is certainly a job I would never want. I have refed (sp?) a total of one game in my life. When I was a senior in high school I was asked to work a 7th grade girls "B" team game. I gladly accepted this new opportunity. What a huge mistake I made. That game couldn't get over with fast enough for me. No one has ever sucked so much as a basketball referee. I was never tempted again. I think basketball is the most difficult game in which to be a good official. I freely admit I yell at the refs during games, but I still respect the difficult job they do and more importantly, after the game is over, good luck to them. I don't believe it is personal with them, and it certainly isnt with me.

The conduct of those UK fans is deplorable and should be met with legal sanctions to the fullest extent of the law. This is outrageous cowardice on their part and, by lack of taking a firm stand against such behavior, the University of Kentucky. What a huge black eye to a school with such a deep and rich basketball tradition. I have lost all respect for this school, the administration, and their coach.

John Higgins is a fine referee. Perfect? No, but then none of us are and few could do as reasonably well. I wish him the best in the final four and in his future in basketball. I hope we do see him often in the AAC.

[DUShock]

I agree SDO. When I was a kid attending Chandler Baseball Camp, each age group was responsible for umpiring the age group below. Suddenly, my ego was given its first reality check of my adolescence life. Each summer, I would enjoy my time behind the plate.

I have rarely "booed" the refs, although in my 20's I am embarrassed to say that my ego crept back in and I did occasionally partake.

If I think it is bad, I remind myself that almost always, I would be much worse. At the end of the day, this (basketball, but substitute any sport) is nothing but a game. No life or death issues, no one is walking a combat patrol, no one is holding another's life in their hands as a surgeon or first responder. I honestly believe that even when I am frustrated at the way things are being called, everyone is doing the best they can.

Hopefully no one gets hurt and everyone learns from the experience.

Go Shocks!

[LandStander]

Does anyone know if Higgins works AAC games? I know he does valley and big 12-2 but not sure what other conferences he works.

I read an article that he likes to stick close to home so he'll still be at the Shox home games, probably Tulsa too, maybe Memphis.

[1979Shocker]

They had a segment on John Higgins today on Inside Edition, telling how he and his family were getting death threats after the Kentucky/UNC game.

Edit: Here's the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHJkUADv54E

The YouTube video is no longer available. I wonder why Inside Edition removed it.

[DUShock]

The YouTube video is no longer available. I wonder why Inside Edition removed it.

Death threats from Kentucky fans?

[1979Shocker]

Video from CBS Sports

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIIySUZhMRI

[jcdshocker]

Lead official in first FF game tonight.

[Dave Stalwart]

Wait a minute Higgins can't be out there in a game this caliber. Kentucky fans must be shocked.

[wusphlash]

John is a very good official in my opinion. Frankly, I think most of BBN is probably appalled at the actions of a few morons. Those morons probably don't give a rat's ass what anyone thinks because, well, they're morons.

Having said that, Calipari and the UK Administration should have made a stronger statement.