I have said all along this season that the overall officiating for basketball has not been the best.
I took it one step further to state that the Big 12 Conference was probably the worst. but be sure
the other conferences were not much better. That being said, Kentucky fans have taken their displeasure of officials to another level. It appears that one referee doing the Kentucky/North Carolina game has been the subject of threats with some including death. Following the game. comments by Kentucky coach Calipari may have fueled the hatred by stating that "You know, it's amazing that we were in that game where they practically fouled out my team. Amazing that we had a chance" For the record, Kentucky had 19 fouls called against them compared to 18 for North Carolina. As much as I criticize officials, that is never a reason to issue threats. The referee in question is, John Higgins.
To be honest, I am not a fan of Higgins as at times it truly appears that he comes off as thinking the game is about him and the fans have all come just to see him. Higgins earns in the neighborhood of $200,000 a year doing games. Whether he earns that money is questionable and I will leave it up to the fans to decide. Another referee I have never been impressed with is, Joe DeRosa. I put him in the same category as Higgins. Not all officials are poor. Personally, I think Gene Steratore is one of the best officials in the game. Not only does Steratore do NCAA basketball. but he is a highly respected NFL official as well.
Be sure that John Higgins will be seen doing officiating in the final four. The NCAA for whatever reason thinks he is one of their best. If he is one of their best, then my thoughts on how good the officiating is in college basketball has been proven. POOR
Fans have a right to criticize, yell and holler for their favorite team, but never have the right to threaten officials. THOSE KENTUCKY FANS WHO FELT THE NEED TO ISSUE THREATS,
TRULY NEED TO GET SOME CLASS
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