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In theory, a basketball official - an official in any sport, really - is supposed to be essentially invisible. We only notice them when they are either doing something wrong or intentionally drawing attention to themselves.
Which brings us to Ted Valentine.
TV Teddy is anything but in the background. He has always enjoyed the spotlight and, for better or worse, seeks it out.
He had an infamous run-in with Bob Knight which seemed perilously close to getting physical.
Around here, he notoriously turned his back on UNC’s Joel Berry who appealed to him after being held by Florida State’s Terrence Mann while on a fast break.
He also has had run-ins with Mick Cronin, who plaintively asked why couldn’t call a technical on Valentine after he ran over and got in his face, John Calipari, Tom Izzo and Bob Huggins. He’s also tossed at least one fan.
We’re not knowledgeable enough to critique Valentine’s skill as an official but any human being can see his behavior is often showboating and, occasionally, bullying.
It’d be nice if someone would speak to him and just tell him to knock off the sideshow.