NCAA Tournament Referee Showed True Colors With Classy Gesture
03/22/2025 12:56 PM
During the first round of the NCAA Tournament, referee Roger Ayers proved he's an incredibly classy individual.
Ayers was officiating Friday night's game between Liberty and Oregon. The Ducks dismantled the Flames thanks to strong performances from Jackson Shelstad and Nate Bittle.
Oregon had a 78-46 lead over Liberty with just under a minute remaining in the second half. Obviously, the Ducks were content with running out the clock. Liberty, however, was trying to make a last-minute substitution so sophomore guard JC Shirer Jr. can enter the game.
Although he didn't have to, Ayers stopped the clock and cleaned up a "wet spot" so Shirer can get some playing time in the NCAA Tournament.
CBS.
It didn't seem like there was a wet spot on the hardwood. Ayers just wanted to show support for Shirer. With that being said, countless fans have applauded the veteran referee for this classy move.
"Respect to the ref. Thats awareness of the game & situation to make a kid's dream come true," one fan said.
"No one's gonna see this in the box score, but everyone who watched will remember. The ref gave him a memory for life. That's the stuff that matters. That's the good in sports," another fan wrote.
"The awareness. The see something-Do something ness. Beyond classy," a third fan commented.
Hopefully, other referees take note of this gesture from Ayers.
The second round of the NCAA Tournament has officially tipped off this Saturday.
Related: There Are 8 NCAA Tournament Games This Saturday - Here's The Schedule
