An Oregon State Player Got Tossed For Intentionally Tripping An Official

LBS- Oregon State forward Jarmal Reid was ejected late in his team’s loss to Utah Sunday night after he appeared to intentionally trip an official.

As Sean Meagher of The Oregonian explained, Reid was apparently frustrated with a no-call in a tie game with 2:56 remaining. He clearly stuck his leg out as referee Tommy Nunez was running by, and Nunez immediately hit Reid with a Flagrant 2 and ejected him.



​I'm not here to defend anything that Jamal Reid did. He obviously stuck his leg out with the intent of tripping the referee. Not only that, but he only did it because he didn't get a call on a play where he pretty clearly embellished contact in an attempt to get said call. Even worse, his team had possession in the waning minutes of a tie game at the time. There's really not a single thing about the play or the situation that makes his actions justifiable. Trust me, I tried pretty hard to find one. He deserved to get kicked out and probably deserves whatever supplemental discipline the NCAA hands down. 

However, as dumb as this decision was, it was probably a public service to all officials. Sometimes authority figures need to be reminded of the importance of focus. Hey stripes, get your head out of the clouds. You're out there with 10 guys that are twice your stature. You got to keep your head on a swivel if you want to keep your nose off the hardwood. Here's a little tip. Never assume that college athletes are going to do what's right. Especially when you pay their threatening stares no mind. From that angle it looked like this whistle blower didn't even acknowledge Jamal Reid when he flashed him his "are you fucking kidding me?" glance. You don't just ignore young adults without them lashing out in retaliation. These are millennials we are talking about. They don't like when things don't go their way, and they certainly don't like being ignored when things don't go their way. Narcissism is like their second language, even when it's only passive aggressive non-verbal communication. Jamel Reid made an extremely selfish move, but that's only because the official was dismissive of his opinion. He almost didn't have a choice but to stick his foot out and make him look like an idiot. It was either that or start a protest against the close-mindedness of the NCAA's officiating crew, and I'm pretty sure we've had enough campus picketing over the last few months. Rightfully or wrongfully kids these days feel that they deserve a voice, and if you don't give it to them then you better be prepared to feel their wrath, physically or otherwise.