The Higgins Bias is No Secret - Seth Greenberg Agrees

[BlueWorldOrder74]

Interesting comversation from Seth Greenberg yesterday on College Sports Radio on Sirius XM 84. The host and Seth were discussing Higgins Gate, and the host was (can't remember his name) bashing BBN for trashing Higgins Facebook Rooferies page. He was saying it was disgusting and over the top. Seth Greenberg interrupts:

Seth goes on a diatribe, saying wait a minute, these fans aren't stupid. They see the bias there. Basically, he went on to say that the first half calls were atrocious. He goes on about the bad calls in the UCONN game, as well as the calls in the Wisconsin game. He talked about how certain coaches (implying Cal) and certain refs (implying Higgins) just don't get along. He said its known that some refs (Higgins) hold grudges, have memories that affect their calls, and how it's not right. He describes how some refs, even though they may be over the top with antics (TV Teddy he mentioned by name), but they get the calls right. And then there are some refs that have an agenda based on past interactions.

Seth did say that he wouldn't trash a Facebook page, but said it's a public space and if fans want to do it, he can't see a reason he should tell them to stop. It was amazing to hear, he basically backed up the idea that Higgins is biased, has cost us three tournament games and has issues with Cal. Basically saying he doesn't like Cal and his play calling is indicative of that.

People, the bias is known. Not just by us, and it's good to hear a former coach admit as much. I have a new respect for Seth. If anyone doesn't believe that Higgins has it out for Cal, think again.

 

[gracetoyou]

Glad to hear someone just come out & say it! Tired of everyone putting officials in an untouchable protective bubble.

 

[ThroughBlue]

Ha take that everyone. We were right!!1!

 

[CatsnRoses]

I disagree with Greenberg a lot but he's about the closest thing to a straight shooter they have over there. If you've noticed, that's often why he and Bilas get into it- Bilas pushes back against any deviation from the company line.

 

[Mojocat]

Interesting comversation from Seth Greenberg yesterday on College Sports Radio on Sirius XM 84. The host and Seth were discussing Higgins Gate, and the host was (can't remember his name) bashing BBN for trashing Higgins Facebook Rooferies page. He was saying it was disgusting and over the top. Seth Greenberg interrupts:

Seth goes on a diatribe, saying wait a minute, these fans aren't stupid. They see the bias there. Basically, he went on to say that the first half calls were atrocious. He goes on about the bad calls in the UCONN game, as well as the calls in the Wisconsin game. He talked about how certain coaches (implying Cal) and certain refs (implying Higgins) just don't get along. He said its known that some refs (Higgins) hold grudges, have memories that affect their calls, and how it's not right. He describes how some refs, even though they may be over the top with antics (TV Teddy he mentioned by name), but they get the calls right. And then there are some refs that have an agenda based on past interactions.

Seth did say that he wouldn't trash a Facebook page, but said it's a public space and if fans want to do it, he can't see a reason he should tell them to stop. It was amazing to hear, he basically backed up the idea that Higgins is biased, has cost us three tournament games and has issues with Cal. Basically saying he doesn't like Cal and his play calling is indicative of that.

People, the bias is known. Not just by us, and it's good to hear a former coach admit as much. I have a new respect for Seth. If anyone doesn't believe that Higgins has it out for Cal, think again.

That's interesting - thx. Which show was he on - who was the host?

 

[Sawnee Cat]

Thank you Seth Greenberg for having our back. Not many in your position do.

 

[preacherfan]

http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/statistics/Officials/John_Higgins.html

If you check out this link, you will discover that Higgins has done 2 Elite 8 games and 2 FF games that we played in. We lost ALL 4. The only tournament games that we won were in the early rounds when he was one of the refs.

Yeah, if he is the ref, we beat EKU and Cornell but lose to Mich St, UConn, Wisconsin and UNC!

 

[jgraf_1]

Judging by comments on social media sunday, multiple media personalities agreed the calls were bad, but the problem is where they are allowed to say this.

Seth will never bring this up on ESPN. No one will bring it up on CBS this weekend. No one will talk about it Fox. Just like the UNC scandal. They would all talk about it privately but when they got on their employer 's airwaves...silence.

 

[MadaboutBlue]

Awesome post, OP.

Seth Greenberg calls it like it is.

On a random note, a man has to give it up for Seth in other areas as well.

https://kentucky.forums.rivals.com/threads/seth-greenbergs-daughters.225569/

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

That's interesting - thx. Which show was he on - who was the host?

I believe it was The Playbook with Jason Horowitz.

 

[8titles]

Not sure why this surprises anyone.

 

[Blueaz]

Interesting comversation from Seth Greenberg yesterday on College Sports Radio on Sirius XM 84. The host and Seth were discussing Higgins Gate, and the host was (can't remember his name) bashing BBN for trashing Higgins Facebook Rooferies page. He was saying it was disgusting and over the top. Seth Greenberg interrupts:

Seth goes on a diatribe, saying wait a minute, these fans aren't stupid. They see the bias there. Basically, he went on to say that the first half calls were atrocious. He goes on about the bad calls in the UCONN game, as well as the calls in the Wisconsin game. He talked about how certain coaches (implying Cal) and certain refs (implying Higgins) just don't get along. He said its known that some refs (Higgins) hold grudges, have memories that affect their calls, and how it's not right. He describes how some refs, even though they may be over the top with antics (TV Teddy he mentioned by name), but they get the calls right. And then there are some refs that have an agenda based on past interactions.

Seth did say that he wouldn't trash a Facebook page, but said it's a public space and if fans want to do it, he can't see a reason he should tell them to stop. It was amazing to hear, he basically backed up the idea that Higgins is biased, has cost us three tournament games and has issues with Cal. Basically saying he doesn't like Cal and his play calling is indicative of that.

People, the bias is known. Not just by us, and it's good to hear a former coach admit as much. I have a new respect for Seth. If anyone doesn't believe that Higgins has it out for Cal, think again.

When he is not on ESPN, he has completely different takes (many topics). I wonder which is his real view. Or if any if his views are real...does he say things for to appease bosses on ESPN, and then another to appease fans?

 

[Blueaz]

Judging by comments on social media sunday, multiple media personalities agreed the calls were bad, but the problem is where they are allowed to say this.

Seth will never bring this up on ESPN. No one will bring it up on CBS this weekend. No one will talk about it Fox. Just like the UNC scandal. They would all talk about it privately but when they got on their employer 's airwaves...silence.

Didn't see this before my post.

 

[StevieJFTW07]

I'm just glad he said what he said. Thank you, Seth.

 

[EliteBlue]

He has literally cost us 2 likely titles out of the 4 games he has manipulated. And don't think mark emmert isn't aware of their mutual bias and sticks his fingers in ref selection. For you military folks out there it's essentially the same as Commanders Intent. If you establish a clear CI then your subordinates don't need constant direction because the end game is clear

 

[BlueManToo]

Haven't listened to or watched any sports shows since Sunday....the wound is still too fresh and I just don't want to hear anything about college basketball until after the Final Four is over and the talking heads move on to the next shiny object....Glad to hear Seth is somewhat calling out Higgins, though. At the very least, the fan outcry might remove Higgins from consideration in ever calling another UK NCAAT game --- that's good enough for me. Anything beyond is gravy.

 

[YouKay]

Always interesting to listen to that Sirius/XM channel. You will often hear stuff said that won't be said on TV. Thanks for reporting on this truth telling by Seth Greenberg. He just became the most popular guy in the BBN!

 

[preacherfan]

Haven't listened to or watched any sports shows since Sunday....the wound is still too fresh and I just don't want to hear anything about college basketball until after the Final Four is over and the talking heads move on to the next shiny object....Glad to hear Seth is somewhat calling out Higgins, though. At the very least, the fan outcry might remove Higgins from consideration in ever calling another UK NCAAT game --- that's good enough for me. Anything beyond is gravy.

Agree 100%. Just glad he wasn't one of the refs when we won the title.

 

[downw/ball-lineD]

Glad to hear someone in the nat'l media call this spade a spade. If only we could get some recognition by the NCAA so "something" would change as we go forward.

 

[preacherfan]

Seth is also the guy who said that he asked 3 different coaches in the ACC if there was any way in heck that Roy didn't know about the fake classes and they ALL said no. Seth is a straight shooter.

 

[Smashcat]

Interesting comversation from Seth Greenberg yesterday on College Sports Radio on Sirius XM 84. The host and Seth were discussing Higgins Gate, and the host was (can't remember his name) bashing BBN for trashing Higgins Facebook Rooferies page. He was saying it was disgusting and over the top. Seth Greenberg interrupts:

Seth goes on a diatribe, saying wait a minute, these fans aren't stupid. They see the bias there. Basically, he went on to say that the first half calls were atrocious. He goes on about the bad calls in the UCONN game, as well as the calls in the Wisconsin game. He talked about how certain coaches (implying Cal) and certain refs (implying Higgins) just don't get along. He said its known that some refs (Higgins) hold grudges, have memories that affect their calls, and how it's not right. He describes how some refs, even though they may be over the top with antics (TV Teddy he mentioned by name), but they get the calls right. And then there are some refs that have an agenda based on past interactions.

Seth did say that he wouldn't trash a Facebook page, but said it's a public space and if fans want to do it, he can't see a reason he should tell them to stop. It was amazing to hear, he basically backed up the idea that Higgins is biased, has cost us three tournament games and has issues with Cal. Basically saying he doesn't like Cal and his play calling is indicative of that.

People, the bias is known. Not just by us, and it's good to hear a former coach admit as much. I have a new respect for Seth. If anyone doesn't believe that Higgins has it out for Cal, think again.

Higgins may hold a grudge against Cal but must have held one against UK also, going back to the Tubby era.

 

[ulismyman]

Seth also said we would be gone in first weekend

 

[OHIO COLONEL]

Higgins may hold a grudge against Cal but must have held one against UK also, going back to the Tubby era.

I've known plenty of people over the years who don't like UK.....just because.
Just like people don't like Bama, the Yankees or the Lakers.

 

[Wildcat Sheli]

Appreciate Mr. Greenberg's support! Anyone know how to get a clip of that audio?

Also, I mentioned this elsewhere but find it relevant here: Rex Chapman is not letting it go, either. He's tweeted several times about it at www.twitter.com/rexchapman. Yes, he's one of us, but he has a loud microphone and isn't ashamed to use it for the BBN. With him being a former player, it's apparent he's taking it really hard for our team that just needed a fair chance, a fair call.

I, for one, am not ready to let this go. Higgins must be stopped. Go 'Cats!

 

[Ben101er]

When you say, "cost us three tournament games", it most likely means three National Championships. The one against UConn was given, since it was a final game, but the one against Wisconsin was almost a sure thing, and I would have really liked our chances, this year. So, Higgins costs us three National Championships, in six years, and people wonder why BBN is going nuts? All because he is petty, and cannot be professional. More than his facebook page needs to be trashed.

 

[Ben101er]

Agree 100%. Just glad he wasn't one of the refs when we won the title.

Yeah, because he would have found a way to make sure we didn't win.

 

[Ben101er]

Seth also said we would be gone in first weekend

Too bad you weren't.

 

[Wildcat Sheli]

Posted this over at the Missed Calls thread, but Higgins has officiated every Final Four since 2010 except one: 2012.

 

[docholiday51]

When you say, "cost us three tournament games", it most likely means three National Championships. The one against UConn was given, since it was a final game, but the one against Wisconsin was almost a sure thing, and I would have really liked our chances, this year. So, Higgins costs us three National Championships, in six years, and people wonder why BBN is going nuts? All because his is petty, and cannot be professional. More than his facebook page needs to be trashed.

Somebody keeps assigning Higgins to do these games,they know the score between Cal/UK and Higgins.One would have to think he is there for a reason.the NCAA doesn't want us to catch UCLA and they want Duke or UNC to catch us,your boy K is running out of time but if you drag the UNC scandal out long enough maybe they have a chance.

 

[cats2010]

Haven't listened to or watched any sports shows since Sunday....the wound is still too fresh and I just don't want to hear anything about college basketball until after the Final Four is over and the talking heads move on to the next shiny object....Glad to hear Seth is somewhat calling out Higgins, though. At the very least, the fan outcry might remove Higgins from consideration in ever calling another UK NCAAT game --- that's good enough for me. Anything beyond is gravy.

Really all I care about at this point too. He simply should be banned from calling UK games period much less in the NCAAT. Getting a few bad calls here and there is one thing but he clearly had an agenda in the first half. It was so bad I do believe he was told to call it off in the 2nd half.

 

[UK90]

That's quite a stretch of sheer honesty by Greenberg. Kudos to him for having the guts to say on the air what other talking heads only say when the microphones and cameras are turned off.

 

[TheDude73]

http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/statistics/Officials/John_Higgins.html

If you check out this link, you will discover that Higgins has done 2 Elite 8 games and 2 FF games that we played in. We lost ALL 4. The only tournament games that we won were in the early rounds when he was one of the refs.

Yeah, if he is the ref, we beat EKU and Cornell but lose to Mich St, UConn, Wisconsin and UNC!

If I recall correctly, wasn't that Cornell game close in the first half - as in closer than we expected? Would be interested to re-watch that game and see if Higgins tried a little manipulation, but UK was just too strong (and Cornell much too weak) in the second half to let his first half attempts sway the game much.

 

[TheDude73]

Somebody keeps assigning Higgins to do these games,they know the score between Cal/UK and Higgins.One would have to think he is there for a reason.the NCAA doesn't want us to catch UCLA and they want Duke or UNC to catch us,your boy K is running out of time but if you drag the UNC scandal out long enough maybe they have a chance.

I think what they don't want is continued, annual success with the one-and-done "system". They want the 4-year upperclassmen teams to be in the Final Four. Notice the teams that remain this year aren't one-and-done teams...it isn't coincidence, it's manipulated via seeding, region placement, and referee assignments to fit certain higher-up agendas in the NCAA to make sure kids "using" the system for OAD don't run all over the "traditional" 4-year kids.

Unless of course it's Duke using OADs...then it's ingenious and K is "adaptive" and a master.

 

[docholiday51]

I think what they don't want is continued, annual success with the one-and-done "system". They want the 4-year upperclassmen teams to be in the Final Four. Notice the teams that remain this year aren't one-and-done teams...it isn't coincidence, it's manipulated via seeding, region placement, and referee assignments to fit certain higher-up agendas in the NCAA to make sure kids "using" the system for OAD don't run all over the "traditional" 4-year kids.

Probably some of both.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

If I recall correctly, wasn't that Cornell game close in the first half - as in closer than we expected? Would be interested to re-watch that game and see if Higgins tried a little manipulation, but UK was just too strong in the second half to let his first half attempts sway the game much.

62-45 final. Cats with 17 fouls total, Cornell with 22. Demarcus picked up 4, only played in foul trouble. They did keep it closer in the first half. Best part about that game came in the days before...

 

[StevieJFTW07]

If I recall correctly, wasn't that Cornell game close in the first half - as in closer than we expected? Would be interested to re-watch that game and see if Higgins tried a little manipulation, but UK was just too strong in the second half to let his first half attempts sway the game much.

Higgins called the Cornell game very similar..A LOT of no calls for Cornell..UK getting ticky tack crap called on them..he allowed Cornell to play very physical almost a football style basketball game. Thankfully, UK was just too big, fast, and athletic for Cornell and we pulled away with after the 7 something timeout in the 2nd half. I do believe that game took it's toll on UK against West Virginia in the next in the Elite 8.

 

[TheDude73]

62-45 final. Cats with 17 fouls total, Cornell with 22. Demarcus picked up 4, only played in foul trouble. They did keep it closer in the first half. Best part about that game came in the days before...

View embedded media

Maybe I'll track that down as a replay and watch the first half for strange Higgins calls and no-calls.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

Higgins called the Cornell game very similar..A LOT of no calls for Cornell..UK getting ticky tack crap called on them..he allowed Cornell to play very physical almost a football style basketball game. Thankfully, UK was just too big, fast, and athletic for Cornell and we pulled away with after the 7 something timeout in the 2nd half. I do believe that game took it's toll on UK against West Virginia in the next in the Elite 8.

I think netting only 22 player fouls total in a game against that 2010 team shows the story there. Cornell was freakishly outmatched that game with athleticism, they were hacking, grabbing, and bulldozing our guys all game long.

 

[TheDude73]

Check this out - someone already did all the work this week in light of the Higgins debacle...even reviewed the Cornell game and talked about Cousins getting hammered (which I now recall):

http://kentuckycrazies.com/detailed-video-john-higgins-calls-kentucky-video/

 

[StevieJFTW07]

I think netting only 22 player fouls total in a game against that 2010 team shows the story there. Cornell was freakishly outmatched that game with athleticism, they were hacking, grabbing, and bulldozing our guys all game long.

Higgins didn't get the job done vs. Cornell..so his buddy and boss, Curtis Shaw, took care (Very obviously..UGH.) of UK vs. West Virginia in the Elite 8. Giving Liggins a bogus technical foul, following John Wall at halftime, calling a shit game on UK, etc.. Just so obvious. Cheating and corrupt pieces of crap !!