2 Basketball Teams Banned for Trying to Lose the Same Game

As many know, I'm a basketball referee. I've seen some odd things in my 20 plus years. I've seen games where I'm pretty sure no one wants to win but I've never seen 2 teams trying to lose a game. Until now.

Smyrna and Riverdale High School girls basketball teams squared off last weekend in a playoff game, with both teams trying to lose. Why?

They each felt losing would be the better option because it would put them in an easier bracket in the upcoming regional playoffs. Riverdale missed 12 out of 16 free throws. Who do they think they are? Syracuse?

Smyrna wouldn't get the ball across half court and intentionally shot at the wrong basket. The refs got both coaches together and told them that they weren't going to make a travesty or mockery of the game.

Much like me, their master plan failed. Both teams were banned from this year's playoff. They were placed on probation and fined $1,500.

Riverdale’s principal may have summed it best when he said, “It’s a total embarrassment…It sends a bad message to everyone. Bottom line is you play the game to win.” I love those wise words from Herman Edwards.

They should have also listened to the wise words of the late great Vince Lombardi, "Winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.”  I don't necessarily agree with that but trying to lose isn't the right option either.