Frances, we have found common ground. Those who have reached the age of eighteen should be held responsible for their actions. However, they also have every right to pursue all avenues which may offer a defense or, at least, may mitigate the circumstances.

 

There seems to be a good plurality, if not a majority, of those who have "viewed" the video of the incident who have concluded that the referee is, at best, not "without sin" and, at worst, a fake and troublemaker.

 

This being at least a material interpretation of the matter clearly leads to the conclusion that Mayo has every right to pursue what he sees as justice.

This certainly includes an investigation of the intent of the referee in calling the two technical fouls in the first place. What was his intent? It is a reasonable issue.

 

Some BGPers are practicing automatic judgment and conviction and seem to want a quick execution. Our system doesn't, and shouldn't, work that way.

 

We who are supporters of Mayo are not idolators. That is insulting. However, we are loyal to one whom we know and care about. I believe most would find that position as a positive and not a negative in today's society. As a national celebrity of sorts, he should have no more rights than anyone else. However, he should have no less rights either.

 

So Scooterbob should all technical fouls called on the high school level be investigated at the same vigor that you suggest for Mr. Mayo. It sounds as though you endorse video-tape investigations for all "questionable" technicals. If this is so, where does it stop. I would surmise that a majority of player and coaches who receive techicals feel that they are treated unfairly. Should we begin allowing for video replays during high school games for all called violations. If this is the case, I believe that you would see even worse officiating because the officials would always be aware of the video camera looking over their shoulder.

 

Bottom line--Mayo was called for 2 technicals. Whether spectators agree or disagree with the calls, the calls were made. Because of his notoriety, more people than most are questioning these calls. That does not mean that Mayo should be given special treatment or additiional "investigations" into the matter to see if the calls were correct. By doing so would be giving preferential treatment.

Your argument is weak. It uses the typical method of overkill. To compare the situation with Mayo to the typical technical foul scenerio is ridiculous.

 

Like it or not, Mayo is not a typical high school basketball player. Whatever he does or doesn't do is national sports news. I didn't make it that way and you didn't make it that way. Nonetheless, that's how it is whether we like it or not.

 

There seems to be a reasonable amount of evidence that the referee had an agenda and that he carried out his agenda. The result is that Mayo will sit out three games and that his name has been further tarnished. Both of these results influence a lot of greenbacks. Greenbacks run the world of sports just as they run most everything else. Mayo is the drawing card for HHS. People come from many, many miles to see him play. That means a lot of money for HHS and for restaurants, gasoline stations, malls, etc. all around Huntington. If he doesn't play, many stay away and the cash coffers are not filled. A false charge also may cost Mayo a few million dollars somewhere along the line. If not in salary, how about in endorsements?

 

No, Intentional Foul, we cannot compare this situation with the irrelevant calling of a technical foul, or two technical fouls, on a typical high school kid. That is just a fact.

Your argument is weak. It uses the typical method of overkill. To compare the situation with Mayo to the typical technical foul scenerio is ridiculous.

 

Like it or not, Mayo is not a typical high school basketball player. Whatever he does or doesn't do is national sports news. I didn't make it that way and you didn't make it that way. Nonetheless, that's how it is whether we like it or not.

 

There seems to be a reasonable amount of evidence that the referee had an agenda and that he carried out his agenda. The result is that Mayo will sit out three games and that his name has been further tarnished. Both of these results influence a lot of greenbacks. Greenbacks run the world of sports just as they run most everything else. Mayo is the drawing card for HHS. People come from many, many miles to see him play. That means a lot of money for HHS and for restaurants, gasoline stations, malls, etc. all around Huntington. If he doesn't play, many stay away and the cash coffers are not filled. A false charge also may cost Mayo a few million dollars somewhere along the line. If not in salary, how about in endorsements?

 

No, Intentional Foul, we cannot compare this situation with the irrelevant calling of a technical foul, or two technical fouls, on a typical high school kid. That is just a fact.

 

Good post.

 

I would add that there are cases where refs should be held accountable for their actions - not just with Mayo. They are accountable to no one but thier own conscious at this time. The assigning administrators are often fortunate to have enough bodies to cover the games. They aren't into evaluating the actual calls (outside of summer referee camps).

 

The video I saw - you can almost see it in the ref's eyes after the first T, "Here's how I'm going to get on ESPN."

Scooterbob, once again you play the situation to fit your needs. The problem with too many of today's youths is that they look for excuses and supposed jealousies from others to justify their actions. Your remarks play right into their hands. I feel sorry for Mayo when his fame fades and he is held up to the same standards of ordinary mortals.

Your argument is weak. It uses the typical method of overkill. To compare the situation with Mayo to the typical technical foul scenerio is ridiculous.

 

Like it or not, Mayo is not a typical high school basketball player. Whatever he does or doesn't do is national sports news. I didn't make it that way and you didn't make it that way. Nonetheless, that's how it is whether we like it or not.

 

There seems to be a reasonable amount of evidence that the referee had an agenda and that he carried out his agenda. The result is that Mayo will sit out three games and that his name has been further tarnished. Both of these results influence a lot of greenbacks. Greenbacks run the world of sports just as they run most everything else. Mayo is the drawing card for HHS. People come from many, many miles to see him play. That means a lot of money for HHS and for restaurants, gasoline stations, malls, etc. all around Huntington. If he doesn't play, many stay away and the cash coffers are not filled. A false charge also may cost Mayo a few million dollars somewhere along the line. If not in salary, how about in endorsements?

 

No, Intentional Foul, we cannot compare this situation with the irrelevant calling of a technical foul, or two technical fouls, on a typical high school kid. That is just a fact.

 

This is total hogwash. The fact that a player may generate income by virtue of generating fan interest does not, in any way, entitle that player to a different set of rules. That very mindset is exactly why we see an unending string of athletes getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar as they reach college or the pros.

 

Allowing OJ (or any other athlete) to believe that their abilities somehow allow them to be above the rules that the rest of the world lives by is an invitation to disaster.

 

The list of athletes that find this cold hard truth the hard way is long, indeed.

 

 

Frances

This is total hogwash. The fact that a player may generate income by virtue of generating fan interest does not, in any way, entitle that player to a different set of rules. That very mindset is exactly why we see an unending string of athletes getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar as they reach college or the pros.

 

Allowing OJ (or any other athlete) to believe that their abilities somehow allow them to be above the rules that the rest of the world lives by is an invitation to disaster.

 

The list of athletes that find this cold hard truth the hard way is long, indeed.

 

 

Frances

 

Frances, I dont believe that is what scooter was trying to say. He was saying a bogus charge "like this one" not only hurts OJ.but the whole community. This could and does hurt the name of OJ. I dont believe that the double T was fair at all. I believe that the official was trying be the show. He would be a better big time wrestler.

The rules are the rules and he should have just taken the two game suspension for the two technical fouls. As I said earlier Patterson had the same thing happen to him last year and he sat out the two games and his life went on just fine, he did not fight it in the courts or media and he was without a doubt the "primetimer" last year on the back to back state championship team. I am not jealous of OJ, I love my life and am blessed with people around me who have the love for me to let me know when I stray off of course, and from what I have seen over the years OJ does not have enough of those people in his life. As many of you on here have spoke of seeing the dollar signs so have the people who are in his day to day life and that is sad, he is a young man who is going to have to wonder many times where the loyalty truly lies with those around him. Nobody is doing OJ any good by making excuses for him and saying that because he is in the public eye that he is different. He may be different but rules are rules.

This is total hogwash. The fact that a player may generate income by virtue of generating fan interest does not, in any way, entitle that player to a different set of rules. That very mindset is exactly why we see an unending string of athletes getting caught with their hand in the cookie jar as they reach college or the pros.

 

Allowing OJ (or any other athlete) to believe that their abilities somehow allow them to be above the rules that the rest of the world lives by is an invitation to disaster.

 

The list of athletes that find this cold hard truth the hard way is long, indeed.

 

 

Frances

 

No one said there should be a different set of rules, Frances. If you will remove the hogwash from your own eyes you will note that I am stating why Mayo's situation is seen much differently and considered more intensively than would a similar situation involving a typical high school basketball player.

 

You may not like Mayo exercising his rights when he feels he has been wronged but that is his right to do so. The possible effect on him, both shortterm and longterm, is multitudes more significant than it would be for another of "lesser notariety".

 

The fact that many dollars will be lost and many more could be lost because of this incident are merely a statement of reality. Whether I think Mayo should be treated differently or not is of no importance. The fact is that, because of his status, he is treated differently and will continue to be treated differently. And, many "lower profile" individuals, like possibly the subject referee, will always be looking for a chance to stick their heads into the shadows of the limelight.

 

Not a pretty picture, I will agree. However, it is reality.

 

I realize that our country is built upon the "idea" that all are to be treated equally. However, the real truth is that some are treated more equally than are others. Also, some are much bigger targets for those seeking their fleeting moment of fame (ie: ESPN coverage) than are others.

The rules are the rules and he should have just taken the two game suspension for the two technical fouls. As I said earlier Patterson had the same thing happen to him last year and he sat out the two games and his life went on just fine, he did not fight it in the courts or media and he was without a doubt the "primetimer" last year on the back to back state championship team. I am not jealous of OJ, I love my life and am blessed with people around me who have the love for me to let me know when I stray off of course, and from what I have seen over the years OJ does not have enough of those people in his life. As many of you on here have spoke of seeing the dollar signs so have the people who are in his day to day life and that is sad, he is a young man who is going to have to wonder many times where the loyalty truly lies with those around him. Nobody is doing OJ any good by making excuses for him and saying that because he is in the public eye that he is different. He may be different but rules are rules.

 

Man, you had a really good post until you stuck in those last two sentences. No one is saying Mayo should be treated differently. However, he should not be condemned for exercising his rights. The real question is whether or not the referee treated him differently than he would another player. Many believe he did so.

Man, you had a really good post until you stuck in those last two sentences. No one is saying Mayo should be treated differently. However, he should not be condemned for exercising his rights. The real question is whether or not the referee treated him differently than he would another player. Many believe he did so.

 

Agreed:thumb: :thumb:

Unless there is proof that he did treat him different then the calls and the rules should stand. But if there is ever a shred of evidence that is beyond question that the referee was up to a personal agenda then he should not be allowed to referee any sport ever again. As a former basketball official I can honestly say that I never heard an official say that they "had it" for a player or a coach, not saying that could never happen but it is so far a stretch considering that the official would certainly know what the consequences could be for using such poor and pitiful judgment.

Unless there is proof that he did treat him different then the calls and the rules should stand. But if there is ever a shred of evidence that is beyond question that the referee was up to a personal agenda then he should not be allowed to referee any sport ever again. As a former basketball official I can honestly say that I never heard an official say that they "had it" for a player or a coach, not saying that could never happen but it is so far a stretch considering that the official would certainly know what the consequences could be for using such poor and pitiful judgment.

 

Proof? Look at the tape. Read the sworn statements.

 

You really need to do this before forming an opinion.

I have seen the tape and the technicals were called and they stood. I am not even talking about the ref falling, that happened after the technicals were called. The first technical was obvious, OJ taunted the player. The second one I cannot say much about other than it was called and that is the referee's discretion, it is a judgement call. My opinion is based on fact and has nothing to do with OJ personally. But it is funny how people on here and on other sites blindly applaude him and can't see any wrong in anything that he does. But that is the joy and blessing of living in this incredible country called the United States of America; we can have our opinions and views and whether we agree with one another or not we can try to discuss them, hopefully without making it into something personal.

I have searched frantically for that video tape so that I could comment on it. But I will make no such comment seeing that I have never viewed the footage of OJ being "T" up. He was acting normal just being himself. If Steven Seagal is not Above the Law then OJ should'nt be either.

Perhaps a class in Sportsmanship 101 would help.....