Ref Allegedly Curses at NC State Coach During Loss to UNC

According to Adam Smith of the Times-News (h/t Statefansnation.com), referee Brian Dorsey allegedly cursed out North Carolina State head coach Mark Gottfried after he argued a failed charge call during what would be the game-winning shot in NC State's 69-67 loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday.

"Adam Smith ‏ @adam_smithTN

Gottfried: “That’s a charge!” Ref Brian Dorsey: “Shut your #$%^&& ass up!”

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With college basketball referees being verbally abused by coaches, players and fans game-in, game-out, it was only a matter of time before a ref cracked.

Dorsey did more than crack and responded in a less-than-professional way, and one would assume that a stiff penalty awaits Dorsey in the coming days, once the ACC officials investigate the alleged incident.

In addition to Smith's tweet, the alleged incident has at least one more credible witness (Joe Ovies of 99.9 FM) and could land Dorsey in hot water.

If a coach or a player would use the kind of language Dorsey allegedly sent Gottfried's way, they would be ejected from the game and most likely face a suspension.

In the case of a ref, the lack of professionalism alleged in this case could lead to Dorsey being fired, as there is no excuse for that kind of behavior, especially from a ref that has logged 580 games over the course of around 15 years, according to Stat Sheet.

It would be a sad situation for a seasoned ref to lose his job over one outburst, but an example has to be made of Dorsey.

The NCAA must make sure other refs don't follow suit and cast a bigger black cloud over the NCAA referees who already get enough negative attention in the first place.