“I'm crying cause he really looks like he should have been a ref”, “He looks legit hire this man so he can ruin legacies” - Fans react to Richard Jefferson’s refereeing debut at Summer League
Former NBA champion Richard Jefferson refereed Monday's Summer League game between the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers. He took charge in the second quarter.
The ESPN broadcaster cited multiple reasons for his switch to officiating. Here's what he tweeted:
"Why do this? 1. Tremendous amount of knowledge about our game that I’ve learned sitting in classes with the best refs in the world.
2. I do this because not many people would dare put themselves in this position. The more info I have the more informed I am as a broadcaster."
Why do this?
1. Tremendous amount of knowledge about our game that I’ve learned sitting in classes with the best refs in the world
2.I do this because not many people would dare put themselves in this position. The more info I have the more informed I am as a broadcaster 🫡
Richard Jefferson sent fans into a frenzy when he walked out of the tunnel in the referee's uniform. According to many, Jefferson resembled a regular NBA referee.
One fan wrote:
“I'm crying cause he really look like he shoulda been a ref.”
Another added:
“He looks legit lol hire this man so he can ruin legacies.”
Here are some of the best reactions to Richard Jefferson's debut as a referee:
@NBA @Rjeff24 I'm crying cause he really look like he shoulda been a ref
@NBA @Rjeff24 Hey @Rjeff24 you didn't get enough money during your playing career?
@NBA @Rjeff24 He got tired of having to deal with perk everyday
@NBA @Rjeff24 Charles Barkley was right, ESPN makes you work way too much lol
Richard Jefferson just blew his first call as a ref, much to the delight of everyone in attendance https://t.co/7Cic54Ox6Y
@BleacherReport @NBA Richard REFerson https://t.co/s4SuNBUdEs
@BleacherReport @NBA He looks legit lol hire this man so he can ruin legacies 😂
@BleacherReport @NBA Richard Jefferson has definitely found his calling.
#NBASummerLeague Gotta admit seeing Richard Jefferson ref for a quarter is highlight of Summer League!! twitter.com/BleacherReport…
Mfer doing side quests wow twitter.com/bleacherreport…
Knicks player: *breathes*
Richard Jefferson: https://t.co/KHkuXFpGDD
.@Rjeff24 is getting the hang of things 😂 https://t.co/sBdA9QpHOv
Richard Jefferson after reffing one quarter https://t.co/Ceujzq6QdV
@Rjeff24 Richard Jefferson next time he's broadcasting during a controversial call: https://t.co/UeQ32gfvBN
Richard Jefferson officiating tonight when somebody from the Blazers dunks on a Knicks player https://t.co/svD7p70KpO
Richard Jefferson getting ready to ref the Knicks game https://t.co/2NTk9DOVCh
a legendary summer league performance by @Rjeff24 https://t.co/FqHHz2kk9U
Richard Jefferson’s Referee experience tonight https://t.co/yxnJz81OSP
richard jefferson when it’s time to ref the 2nd quarter of a summer league game https://t.co/CdmIZTlqfk
Everyone's eyes are on Richard Jefferson—the referee 😅 https://t.co/mhWNgx6VUr
@Rjeff24 Rj after leading the Blazers to a 65-14 quarter https://t.co/m8Pvg4UaVH
@Rjeff24 You do it so you can derail the Knicks summer league championship aspirations! Don't lie!
Richard Jefferson has far from perfect debut, aims to make a comeback next year
Richard Jefferson didn't have an easy foray into the world of officiating. His first call was overturned by another official. Jefferson ruled an out-of-bounds ball in favor of the New York Knicks, when it should've gone tp the Portland Trail Blazers.
. @Rjeff24’s first call as an NBA official gets met with HEAVY boo’s 😂 https://t.co/xNnWJExHZx
Jefferson then missed out on calling a made 3-point shot. He admitted his mistake and had a smoother time making calls after those two incidents.
RJ forgot to signal it but the bucket is GOOD 🙌
Richard Jefferson officiating Q2 on ESPN 2 https://t.co/L3zFMdii9e
Jefferson seems to have enjoyed his time as an official. He appeared at the announcer's table to discuss his experience, saying he would love to return to the Summer League next year and attend the officiating class.
@SportsCenter | @Rjeff24Richard Jefferson running it back next year as a Summer League ref? 🤔
🎥 @SportsCenter | @Rjeff24 https://t.co/ofDRspdRqj
"I will come back to Summer League next year and go to class," he said.