In case you missed or like many people though it was a joke. Referee Karl Hess had former NCSU starts Chris Corchiani and Tom Gugliotta ejected from the NCSU-FSU game on Saturday.
Ah Karl Hess, the most hated referee in the ACC? College basketball? Ever?
An attempt was made immediately following the game to get an explanation from Hess but he wasn't in a talking mood. Being an ACC referee means never having to say you're sorry or be held publicly accountable in any way. NC State AD Debbie Yow took her case to John Swofford and John Cloughtery, director of officials. This was the ACC's response:
"Under Rule 10, when circumstances warrant, an official has the authority to request home game management to eject fans when the behavior, in the officials' judgement, is extreme or excessive. It's unfortunate in this instance that ACC protocol of communicating directly with the home game management was not followed, and instead, a building security officer was solicited. We will re-communicate this policy with all officials to ensure proper protocol is followed."
Um...okay. I guess that means the ACC is backing Hess' decision but taking issue with his execution. Meanwhile Chris Corchiani is telling anyone who will listen his and Gugliotta's side of the story.
What exactly was said that prompted the ejection?
"We really don't know," said Corchiani after the game. "It's undeniable that Googs and I were very vocal on a number of different calls, but I've been that way for the last 20-25 years.
"Listen, I was there with my wife and daughter, and Googs was there with his his daughter. We're not going to say anything profane and we did not use any profanity or say anything that could be taken as extremely offensive or unwarranted."
While I agree officials should have the power to remove a fan who is crossing the line, if Corchiani's account is true then Hess needs to answer why he acted as he did. It is important to remember Corchiani is a local businessman and is not going to jeopardize his business or reputation by acting foolishly at a basketball game. The problem here is Hess is well known as an attention whore making calls in an overly dramatic fashion and having a real impact on how the game unfolds.
If past history is a teacher, the ACC will back Hess and go silent on the issue. If Cloughtery is smart, Hess will not officiate another game in the RBC Center this season or with NC State involved. That being said, absolutely no one will be shocked if Hess and other NCSU "favorite" Randy Ayers show on to call the UNC-NCSU game on Tuesday night.