Pac-10 supports (missed) call in USC, Arizona State game
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The Pacific 10 Conference took the unusual step of issuing a news release today in which Commissioner Tom Hansen announced his support of the basketball officiating crew that worked Sunday’s game between USC and Arizona State at Tempe, Ariz.
The release said ‘several media outlets incorrectly reported on the officiating mechanics on a play in the final minute of the game.’
On the play in question, officials David Hall and Randy McCall simultaneously whistled a foul with 47.9 seconds remaining in the game and USC rallying. Hall called a charge on USC guard Daniel Hackett. McCall blew his whistle and raised his right arm to indicate a foul. Players from both teams and a coach said they heard McCall also say, ‘And one’ -- indicating he was calling a block on Arizona State’s Jamelle McMillan and was counting the basket Hackett had just made.
Hackett was called for a charging foul, no basket was credited, Arizona State got the ball and pulled away to win. USC Coach Tim Floyd was ejected for arguing the call.
‘The play was correctly officiated and the proper mechanics were used on the call,’ Hansen said in the release. ‘Video confirms that Mr. McCall did not make any signal other than raising his right arm to indicate he had seen a foul. He then checked with Mr. Hall, and upon seeing he had called a charging foul, pointed at Hall to confirm he agreed with the call.’
Of course, that’s not what witnesses say they heard. And video of the play seems to indicate that McMillan should have been called for blocking.
-- Mike Hiserman
