The NCAA waited until the very last minute to do a proper background check on a referee.
The NCAA changed one of the officials at halftime of the Chattanooga-N.C. State game on Saturday because of a background conflict.
Referee Tommi Paris was removed from the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament first-round game and replaced by Angelica Suffren. She had just worked the first contest at the site.
It was discovered that Tommi Paris received a Masters degree from Chattanooga. To prevent any potential conflicts, the NCAA requests that all officials who are being considered for the NCAA Tournament reveal their school connections. It was not disclosed in this instance.
“There was a switch of game officials at halftime of the Chattanooga-N.C. State first-round game because it was learned after the game had started that Umpire 2 Tommi Paris had a background conflict that, if known, would prevent her from working that assigned game,” the NCAA said in a statement after an inquiry from The Associated Press.
The move came as a surprise to Chattanooga coach Shawn Poppie, according to the Associated Press:
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“They literally just … got me in the locker room and said they were making a change,” Chattanooga coach Shawn Poppie said of when he learned at halftime. “I don’t know what happened. I didn’t see anything specific. Maybe the second time in my career that’s happened. But the other one there was an injury, so you knew. But this one, I’m not really sure.”
Referee Angelica Suffren would end up giving Poppie a technical foul during the second half of the NCAA game.
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Paris’ conflict of interest did not impact the overall result as her being in charge in the first half had Chattanooga called for nine fouls compared to three against NC State.
The North Carolina State Wolf Pack being able to pull away in the second half was likely the best outcome for the game but the “background conflict” raised much ire on social media as to why Paris’ connection to Chattanooga was not spotted prior to the game. The NCAA has not provided any additional clarification.
The NCAA Could Have Huge Gambling Problems On Their Hands If They Are Not Checking Backgrounds of Referees
As we all know, gambling is more acceptable and easier than at any other time in this country’s history and fans expect things to be on the up and up when placing bets.
When it comes to NCAA games, it is up to the powers to be to ensure that all their i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed so these conflicts of interest do not happen again in the future as thousands, if not millions of dollars are being moved due to these games.
Also Read: VIDEO: Cameras Caught Caitlin Clark’s Dad Telling Her To “Shut Up” During NCAA Tournament Game
