[cardsfan]

Sam is a pretty good ref at times.I have seen him miss his share of calls,but then again I've seen Wendell,Jim,Roger,and John miss there fair share also. I don't think if he is really hanging up his whistle it is due to the fans. I think it would be because of the coaches!!! The coaches may be complaining about calls made or missed by him.Every Region in my opinion has those refs that are notorious for their lack of calling fouls and then turning around when a coach is screaming in their ear and giving that coaches team a make up call!!! I would like for all those people that have ever tried to ref a game whether it be a pee-wee,grade school,high school,or even a league game where you live to tell me about the pressure you are under not only by the coaches,but by the players parents and fans that scream and carry on if they see you screw up.I'm not saying Sam or anyone I mentioned above is a graet ref and should not be called out when they mess up.I'm saying it happens and we as coaches,fans,players,and parents need not be so quick to demand that they quit!!!If they did not do what they do who would? I would not want their job because it's not worth the pay they receive and it's not worth the hassle from everyone.I'm also pretty sure if we could ask each and every ref why they did call games they would tell you it is for the love and passion they have for the game of basketball!!! They are not out to get a certain team or to make sure that their favorite team wins.They are there to officiate a game to the best of their ability.