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Officials in controversial ending out of Big East tourney
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NEW YORK -- The officials who were involved in the controversial Rutgers-St. John's Big East tournament game Wednesday afternoon will not work any more games at the tournament this week.
Officials Jim Burr, Tim Higgins and Earl Walton failed to stop play twice in the final seconds, first when a St. John's player traveled and later when he stepped out of bounds with 1.7 seconds remaining in the game. The officials left the floor, and St. John's won, 65-63.
Big East commissioner John Marinatto issued the following statement:
"Our officials are a very dedicated and loyal group of professionals who care deeply about the Big East Conference. In the best interests of everyone involved --- including coaches, student-athletes, game officials and the Big East Conference institutions --- the officials who were assigned to the St. John's-Rutgers game have voluntarily withdrawn for the remainder of the 2011 Big East Championship. With three days of competition remaining, it is our hope that everyone will now focus on our outstanding teams and the exciting games ahead."
First Published March 10, 2011 11:38 am
