Give and Take: Letter to the sports editor

Officiating shameful in title game

The NCAA basketball final is history, but should not remain history as is.  The disgraceful refereeing must be investigated!

Duke started the game with a flagrant foul, sending a clear message that “You are involved in a street fight, so get ready!”  And it was that. 

Offensive fouls were called against the defense and Duke came from behind to win. 

This has to be the worst-officiated game in the history of the sport.  The Wisconsin coach did not want to be that open in his remarks, just saying that it was the roughest game his team had played all season and that he was disappointed with the officiating.  He showed considerable restraint. 

I suspect there is big money involved and that referees are human.  And I expect an investigation will show nothing amiss.  The college game has become much like the pro game.

Bill Witthuhn

Coeur d’Alene

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