Public Enemy?

There are times when I feel like Public Enemy #1 (yeeeeah boyeeeeeee)…lol 

At times it seems as though some fans and coaches come into the gym with the notion to blame the official for any and everything.  Last night for instance, I’ve officiated both coaches several times in the past, so I guess that meant we were on a first name basis obviously.  I’ve never heard my name spoken/called as much, not even when I was in trouble as a youth…lol

It is MY opinion that some female coaches that are attractive will use that to “get a call or two”. Yep, I’ve seen it work on some men, so don’t act like I’m talking out the side of my neck here J.  Anyway, one of the assistants use to coach the  Jr. High team and would always give me a crap....foul this, foul that, you didn’t see this, you didn’t see that, etc.  I wouldn’t put her in the category of attractive in my opinion, but I guess last night she probably thought she was, and probably thought that it might work..  “C’mon Mark, you gotta give me a call sooner or later”....NOPE!

The other coach, I’ve done their summer leagues, scrimmages, as well as games, and he’s barking out my name also.  “C’mon Mark, you saw that”, “Mark, there was no contact on that either?”, you are getting the picture here I hope?  At half time I went into the official’s locker room and started asking Mark questions myself….LOL (joke).

The 2^nd half begins with an older couple sitting at the top of the bleachers saying “Mark, you ought to be ashamed of yourself”…ROFL.  I look up and ask “how do you know my name?”, the old guy smiles and says EVERYBODY knows who you are, they introduced you & both coaches have shouted your name for the whole first half! (Yep, I was the only person of color in the building also)

As the 2^nd half progresses, there are some kids sitting courtside and asking (semi yelling) “Mark” why that wasn’t a foul, or travel, or whatever.

After the game, the Athletic Director comes over and says “Great job Mark, sorry about all of the banter from our fans”.  My response was simply, Thank you, I appreciate hearing that.