The Bald Ref

[OR-See-Nee]

What was going on with the older, bald ref last night? He had his arm around every player before the player would inbound the ball, talking to the player. He also talked to Babma at half court about something.

I've been to a fair share of games, but I've never seen a ref talk so much to players before--particularly before inbounding the ball. Any (serious) thoughts on what was being said?

[friarwolf]

"Have you ever seen a naked man???"

[George S. Patton]

That's Steve Wellmer. He's been doing college games for years. And now, he's got his own schtick.

[Bergermeister]

It's "Have you ever seen a grown man naked?" AND this guy has been around for Y E A R S. Definitely different. ...and Leo's getting larger!

[Crong]

he is one of the better refs in college basketball. he is on tv all the time doing big games.

[Longtime]

I'd rather see a ref talk to the kids than the high-and-mighty kind who don't communicate with players.

By talking to the players and treating them as people, it probably avoids misunderstandings later on.

[RGV Pony]

He's done final fours.

[Peruna2001]

I was laughing about his 3-point calls. He nearly jumped a foot off of the floor a couple of times.

[smupony]

What was going on with the older, bald ref last night? He had his arm around every player before the player would inbound the ball, talking to the player. He also talked to Babma at half court about something.

I've been to a fair share of games, but I've never seen a ref talk so much to players before--particularly before inbounding the ball. Any (serious) thoughts on what was being said?

What everyone else said, plus...he has done plenty of SMU games over the past three years...

He did one last year and then I saw him on TV the next night doing an ESPN Big 12 game...

He gets around...

[George S. Patton]

What was going on with the older, bald ref last night? He had his arm around every player before the player would inbound the ball, talking to the player. He also talked to Babma at half court about something.

I've been to a fair share of games, but I've never seen a ref talk so much to players before--particularly before inbounding the ball. Any (serious) thoughts on what was being said?

What everyone else said, plus...he has done plenty of SMU games over the past three years...

He did one last year and then I saw him on TV the next night doing an ESPN Big 12 game...

He gets around...

TWSS

[mustangbill67]

What is the rule on how far from the line you have to be when inbounding the ball? It appeared this ref was focused on the player being the correct distance, thus the conversations. He even had discussions with the other refs on the same issue.

[The Falcon]

This same ref was doing an SMU game about 2 years ago and was quoted as saying that the SMU Band is the most entertaining in the country.

He always talks to the players and coaches and tells them little humorous
anecdotes - or at least he thinks he is humorous. Normally I like him
however -

He is a contrarian and loves to irritate the home crowd.

This was not one of his better games in that I saw him blow at least
four calls and he didn't move to reverse a couple of other calls that
were particularly bad.

[smu diamond m]

He's done final fours.

But did he shave them?

[Duke Blue Blood]

The few things I caught was more about tucking their shirts in and if on the baseline, if they could or could not move. I caught one thing about not using the elbow to shield.

I like him. One time, he came over and sat down and said that of all the schools songs he has heard, he liked ours the best.


DBB

[Bergermeister]

I was laughing about his 3-point calls. He nearly jumped a foot off of the floor a couple of times.

Reminded me of Jerry on Boston Legal.