NCAA referee John Higgins has reported to police that he got numerous death threats and false messages were posted about his business after he refereed the NCAA Elite Eight game in which North Carolina beat Kentucky 75-73 on a buzzer-jumper.
Higgins called Kentucky for 19 fouls in the first half of the game, which led Kentucky coach John Calipari to comment after the game, “You know, it’s amazing that we were in that game where they practically fouled out my team. Amazing that we had a chance,” ESPN reported.
Fans decried some of Higgins’ calls on fan websites and message boards, which apparently led some fans to post inaccurate and damaging posts on Higgins’ business Facebook site for his roofing and weatherproofing company, according to the New York Post. The harassing posts led to Higgins racking up 893 one-star reviews and lowered his business rating to 2.2 stars, the Post reported.
“We appreciate the passion that fans bring to college basketball, but the behavior of some fans toward John Higgins that has been reported publicly after last weekend’s regional final is not appropriate,” NCAA Vice President Dan Gavitt said in a statement Wednesday, ESPN reported.
Gavitt cited Higgins’ extensive experience as a college referee and said it was important “that behavior during or after a game reflects the same standards of good sportsmanship that we encourage of our coaches and student-athletes.”
Higgins will work the Final Four this weekend in Arizona, ESPN reported.
Twitter users called out the unruly fans for their bad behavior.
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