A Lesson Learned

Sofies, if you've seen it once-you've seen it a zillion times on here -

You Either Win or You Learn

At the KHS vs JM game, a referee took exception to the constructive criticism I was providing and went to the AD to chirp like a little birdie saying that the big bad man was making it hard for him to hear what the JM coach was saying to him as he ran up and down the floor.

The rabbit eared ref was right on one part, I am the bigger man here (certainly the one with a bigger brain) and, to no one's surprise, also very classy.

With the situation as it is regarding what some call "fan interaction" (others may call it referee lesson giving), I did any true Jacket fan would do which was:

1. Shut the F up, at least when the ref was in earshot.

2. Realize that not everyone has a similar passion, drive, and knowledge of the game as I.

3. and, most importantly, keep the attention to the players on the floor because they are the reason everyone is there. The people with Jackets or Bears across their chests. Not the people wearing stripes or fine tailored couture from Italia, which is a classy country also known as Italy known for classy clothes and the motherland of pizza.

Before we get too far into this Mea Culpa, which is a classy Latin phrase meaning "through my fault", I did text the boys after the game to own up to what transpired as well as congratulate them on closing their chapter in the Hive and wish them well as they pave the way to another Golden moment in the Big House. They were all gracious and appreciative, of course, these are such great guys, never in a zillion years would, or should anyone do anything to take away from what they have done and continue to do on the basketball floor.

So, now for the divulgence of the impetus for my admonition (damn, that's a classy opening, isn't it?), there wasn't much action during the girl's game as Coach Young and crew took care of business in quick fashion. It was so lopsided, that I even asked the First Lady (Mrs. Commish) if she wanted to run out and grab a burger that was so exhaustively researched and discussed in the SofaKing's most recent podcast (which can be found on Spotify and was recently rated as the best podcast coming out of Kingfisher, OK). But the First Lady, as always, the stalwart basketball purist and fan that she is, opted to partake in a warm pretzel from the concession stand. Classy move on her part, always looking to support the kids, one of the many reasons that I put a ring on that finger. Needless to say, emotions were high leading up to the boys' game. As stated before, this was their Last Dance in front of the fans inside the Hive, it was also the beginning of the second season since the Jackets received a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and to divulge a little insider information, talks with a new sponsor occurred earlier in the day and the Brain Trust was currently interviewing a potential contributor to join the hap-hap-happy crew at the SofaKing.

So, to quote Butch "Crash" Davis from "Bull Durham"

No, dang it, not that one (although if you know what he's talking about, it's a pretty classy outfit), the conversation that I'm referring to was a mound visit by all of the infield and broken up by the pitching coach. The players were discussing everything from wedding gifts, curses, and the lack of a curveball. They were dealing with a lot of Sugar Honey Iced Tea. Much as they were at that point in the film, we too at the SofaKing were in a similar predicament. Not that is an excuse for what transpired, but I'm just setting the stage. And if we learned anything from that scene, candlesticks always make a nice wedding gift- CLASSY!

Ok, this is what happened. It's going to be quick because the referee only lasted the first quarter of hint receiving. This poor fella was in over his head, and it was evident from the get-go. He would look to the other referees to make sure he was making the right call each time he blew the whistle. This is fine though, we were all rookies once, so it's important to make sure that you are getting things right. Which brings up another point, if you are doing something wrong and no one brings it to your attention, who is committing the greater error in that situation? Sofies, all I was trying to do was help the poor young fella. I was able to snap a quick pic of him for reference but if you were at the game or watching on kingfishersports.tv you already know.

Now to protect the name and dignity of the referee in question who happens to hail from a city in NW Oklahoma and drives a popular brand of truck that starts with an "F", let's keep him anonymous and just say his name is "Opie".

The opposing coach was more worn out than the players with his running up and down the sideline and onto the floor, which was one hint pointed out to Opie and was also in the ear of every referee who was unfortunate enough to be on his side. Opie, new to the game, took the advice of the coach as instruction not realizing that he was trying to persuade him to make calls for his team and against the beloved Jackets.

Now I know what you're thinking, EL COMMISH did you say he was making bad calls? No, never, would not even think about it. Being around referee expert, Robin DaSpotlight, as long as I have, the referees always have a reason for their calls, whatever that may be.

Here is the transcript from the first quarter interaction with Opie:

"Come on, Opie! COME ON, Opie! COME ON OPIE, you can do better!"

"Opie, you've missed five so far, I know you can do better!"

Verbatim, right there. The First Lady, Murray Pageviews, Robin DaSpotlight, and potential New Guy can all attest to the events that transpired.

Now, this appears to me to be two things:

1. Encouraging

2. Classy

But as we all know, people hear and interpret things differently and it all depends on the situation. Me being the bigger man (and brain), will acknowledge that Opie was probably feeling overwhelmed as this was his shot at the big stage. He's probably not accustomed to being in a basketball rich environment, such as the Hive. Lord knows it's affected many opposing teams. He's probably also somewhat green when it comes to playoff basketball where the stakes are just a bit higher, and emotions are on edge. The environment at the Hive is special and everyone should take part in it every chance they get. Absorb every moment, acknowledge the history and the greatness, hear and feel the crowd as they appreciate the efforts put forth on the floor by the teams. I get it. Welcome to the Show, Opie!

One of the things that rookie baseball players are told when they enter their first game in the Major League is "Don't Look Up". That is said because if one looks up and into the crowd, it will overwhelm them like no other experience will. Some will rise to the occasion, others will not.

In Opie's case, the jury is still out. He was overwhelmed and rather than tucking in his ears and trying to do better, he did what unfortunately society is doing these days and pointed a finger and blamed someone else for his poor performance.

It's ok though, he will learn. Hopefully.

But, to his credit, he knew THAT rule at least, and used it in a manner he felt was appropriate. And me, as the bigger man (brain as well) as well as being a classy individual, chose to abide by his decision and did what was necessary for the Greater Good being not to draw any attention away from the floor or potential penalties to the Jackets.

Big picture guy right here, classy.

I may be making a mountain out of a mole hill here, but we here at the SofaKing felt it was important to remind all the Sofies out there that the referees are human (even though it may seem as though their ears are abnormally sensitive) and that we are just lucky to be able to witness greatness as we watch our Jackets on this historic championship run.

Support your team and always

Ed. Note- El Commish and The First Lady will be cheering on the Jackets on Saturday from the comfort of the always classy, SofaKing Manor. Most likely dining on the finest pizza around from SofaKing sponsor Dado's Pizza. Check them out the next time you find yourself on May and Hefner in OKC. Good luck Jackets! Godspeed, and keep making us proud!