Top 25 Ejections of 2012: MLB Network's Take

As 2013 arrives, the UEFL reviews the Top 25 Ejections of 2012, as selected by MLB Network and aired during their offseason "MLB Network Countdown" series, a countdown of baseball history. Included in MLB Network's list are the comical Darling-Valentine "gum" ejection, several reversed calls including Vin Scully's Tracy "fertilizer argument" translation, a few events resulting in notable league discipline to umpires, players, managers and broadcasters and a few absolute trainwrecks. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

*Note: Qualities of Correctness are provided in the following format: Y=Correct, N=Incorrect, U=Irrecusable.

MLB Network Countdown: Top 25 Most Unforgettable Ejections of 2012

25: E 078: Mike DiMuro (2); Indians 3B Jack Hannahan (Out [Catch] Call, QOC = N).
24: E 136/7: Wally Bell (1, 2); Twins P Scott Diamond & Manager Ron Gardenhire (Throwing At, QOC = U).
23: E 112: Larry Vanover (2); Diamondbacks CF (Called Third Strike, QOC = Y).
22: E 134: Angel Campos (6); Marlins Manager Ozzie Guillen (Balk No-Call, QOC = Y).
21: E 138/9: Lance Barrett (4, 5); White Sox C Pierzynski & Manager Robin Ventura (Ball Call, QOC = N).
20: E 087: Dale Scott (3); Mets Manager Terry Collins (Safe [Reversed Catch/Trap] Call, QOC = Y).
19: E 166: Mike Estabrook (3); Royals DH Billy Butler (Called Second Strike, QOC = Y).
18: E 080: Manny Gonzalez (1); Mets 1B Ike Davis (Safe Call, QOC = N).
17: E 093/4: D.J. Reyburn (4, 5); Royals SS Alcides Escobar & Manager Ned Yost (NEC [Visit], QOC = U).
16: E 071: Kerwin Danley (1); Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny (Safe [Reversed Catch/Trap] Call, QOC = Y).
15: N/A Jim Reynolds; During Angels-Rangers game, LAA's Albert Pujols at-bat, crew chief Reynolds directs stadium security to remove outfield (batter's eye) fan's State of Texas flag after fan failed to stop waiving item when first instructed to by security. After removal, Pujols hit HR to give LAA a 10-7 lead. Not official ejection.
14: E 109: Mike Everitt (2); Rockies Manager Jim Tracy (Safe [Reversed Catch/Trap] Call, QOC = Y).
13: E 126/7: Vic Carapazza/Marty Foster; Orioles 1B Reynolds & M Buck Showalter (Safe [Rev], QOC = N).
12: E 031: Bob Davidson (1); Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel (Umpire Interference No-Call, QOC = Y).
11: E 120/1: Mike Everitt (3, 4); Red Sox 1B Gonzalez & M Bobby Valentine (Illegal Pitch No-Call, QOC = Y).
10: E 114: Tim Welke (1); Yankees Manager Joe Girardi (Fair Ball Call, QOC = Y).
#9: E 053/4: Mark Wegner (1, 2); White Sox P Quintana & M Robin Ventura (Throwing At, QOC = U).
#8: E 103: Chad Fairchild (1); Reds C Devin Mesoraco (Ball Two Call, QOC = Y).
#7: E 110: Paul Nauert (1); Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia (NEC [Previous Check Swing], QOC = U).
#6: E 051: Bill Welke (2); Tigers Manager Jim Leyland (NEC [Previous Foul Ball], QOC = U).
#5: E 038: Gary Darling (5); Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine (Out [Time] Call, QOC = Y).
#4: E 084/5: Sam Holbrook (3, 4); Brewers P Zack Greinke & M Ron Roenicke (Safe [Time], QOC = Y).
#3: E 123: Angel Campos (4); Dodgers CF Matt Kemp & Tschida M Mattingly (Called Strike, QOC = Y).
#2: E 074: Tim Tschida (3); Rays P Joel Peralta (Illegal Substance in Glove, QOC = U).
#1: E 033/4: Bill Miller (1, 2); Blue Jays 3B Brett Lawrie & M John Farrell (Called Third Strike, QOC = N).

Not mentioned: UEFL Ejection of the Year, Ejection 026: Jim Joyce (1), Brad Mills (Bunt No-Swing, QOC = Y).
Mentioned: UEFL Ejection of the Year #2, Ejection 031: Bob Davidson (1) [Listed at #12].

Total Correct: 13 / Total Incorrect: 5 / Total Irrecusable: 7 = 72.22% Accuracy (Greater than 56.8% AVG)

NFL Ejections: John Parry (2, 3)

Referee John Parry's crew ejected Chargers linebacker Takeo Spikes and Raiders running back Mike Goodson for fighting in the second quarter of the Raiders-Chargers game. With 12:57 remaining in the second period, Spikes and Goodson entered into a dead-ball altercation following an incomplete pass attempt, Raiders quarterback Terrelle Prior intended for wide receiver Rod Streater, and were ejected pursuant to NFL Rule 12-2-8 regarding flagrant personal foul: unnecessary roughness penalties. At the time of the ejections, the Chargers were leading, 10-0. The Chargers ultimately won the contest, 24-21.

These are John Parry's second and third ejections of 2012.

Wrap: Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers, 12/30/12
Video: During a larger skirmish, Spikes & Goodson are charged with fighting and ejected from the contest

[Referee: John Parry, Umpire: Dan Ferrel, Head Linesman: Derick Bowers, Line Judge: Allen Baynes, Side Judge: Ronald Robert, Field Judge: Scott Edwards, Back Judge: Perry Paganelli]

2012-13 TFFL: Day 60, Technicals 389 - 391 & Flops 12 - 14

2012-13 TFFL: Day 60 (4 Games, 3 Technicals, 3 Flopping Disciplines).

389: 23 Jason Phillips, 7 Kevin Fehr, 26 Pat Fraher. Clippers' Griffin; 1st, 2:34.
390: 23 Jason Phillips, 7 Kevin Fehr, 26 Pat Fraher. Jazz's Tinsley; 3rd, 5:59.
391: 23 Jason Phillips, 7 Kevin Fehr, 26 Pat Fraher. Clippers' Barnes; 4th, 9:34.
The Los Angeles Clippers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Utah Jazz, 107-96.
Note: The Clippers currently possess a 17-game win streak, including an undefeated month of December.

Flopping 12: ORL Gustavo Ayon (1st; Warning), Magic vs. Hornets (12/26/12, Video [Foul Called = No]).
Flopping 13: PHI Royal Ivey (1st; Warning), 76ers vs. Grizzlies (12/26/12, Video [Foul Called = Yes]).
Flopping 14: SAS Tony Parker (1st; Warning), Spurs vs. Rockets (12/28/12, Video [Foul Called = No]).

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (88 pts) Boredcravens.

2. (84 pts) Bino.

3. (78 pts) Drjjulius.

4. (73 pts) tonyjia888, cyclone14.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 59, Technical Fouls 382 - 388

2012-13 TFFL: Day 59 (11 Games, 7 Technicals).

382: 19 James Capers, 72 J.T. Orr, 40 Leon Wood. Bobcats' Dunlap; 3rd, 3:22.

The New Orleans Hornets ultimately won the contest, defeating the Charlotte Bobcats, 98-95.

383: 48 Scott Foster, 12 Violet Palmer, 45 Brian Forte. Pacers' Hill; 4th, 4:51.

The Atlanta Hawks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Indiana Pacers, 109-100.

384: 38 Michael Smith, 29 Mark Lindsay, 79 Kevin Scott. Magic's Afflalo; 3rd, 7:55.

The Toronto Raptors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Orlando Magic, 123-88.

385: 10 Ron Garretson, 35 Kane Fitzgerald, 76 Steven Anderson. Nuggets' Gallinari; 2nd, 9:50 (double-386).

386: 10 Ron Garretson, 35 Kane Fitzgerald, 76 Steven Anderson. Grizzlies' Gay; 2nd, 9:50 (double-385).

387: 10 Ron Garretson, 35 Kane Fitzgerald, 76 Steven Anderson. Grizzlies' Haddadi; 4th, 7:20.

The Memphis Grizzlies ultimately won the contest, defeating the Denver Nuggets, 81-72.

388: 44 Eli Roe, 28 Zach Zarba, 16 David Guthrie. Timberwolves' Barea; 4th, 12:00.

The Minnesota Timberwolves ultimately won the contest, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 111-107.

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (88 pts) Boredcravens.

2. (84 pts) Bino.

3. (78 pts) Drjjulius.

4. (73 pts) tonyjia888, cyclone14.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 58, Technical Fouls 373 - 381

2012-13 TFFL: Day 58 (12 Games, 9 Technicals).
373: 20 Leroy Richardson, 49 Tom Washington, 37 Lauren Holtkamp. Magic's McRoberts; 4th, 7:31.
The Washington Wizards ultimately won the contest, defeating the Orlando Magic, 105-97.

374: 13 Monty McCutchen, 35 Kane Fitzgerald, 63 Derek Richardson. Suns' Telfair; 2nd, 0:16.0.
The Indiana Pacers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 97-91.

375: 24 Mike Callahan, 28 Zach Zarba, 52 Scott Twardoski. Heat's Bosh; 2nd, 2:21.
The Detroit Pistons ultimately won the contest, defeating the Miami Heat, 109-99.

376: 25 Tony Brothers, 33 Sean Corbin, 46 Ben Taylor. Raptors' Anderson; 4th, 3:17 (double-377).
377: 25 Tony Brothers, 33 Sean Corbin, 46 Ben Taylor. Hornets' Anderson; 4th, 3:17 (double-376).
The Toronto Raptors ultimately won the contest, defeating the New Orleans Hornets, 104-97, in 1 overtime.

378: 23 Jason Phillips, 45 Brian Forte, 76 Steven Anderson. Spurs' Jackson; 2nd, 8:02.
The San Antonio Spurs ultimately won the contest, defeating the Houston Rockets, 122-116.

379: 9 Derrick Stafford, 59 Gary Zielinski, 18 Matt Boland. Clippers' Bledsoe; 2nd, 6:33.
380: 9 Derrick Stafford, 59 Gary Zielinski, 18 Matt Boland. Clippers' Griffin; 2nd, 4:22.
The Los Angeles Clippers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Utah Jazz, 116-114.

381: 7 Kevin Fehr, 36 David Jones, 65 Sean Wright. 76ers' Hawes; 2nd, 10:25.
The Golden State Warriors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, 96-89.

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update
1. (87 pts) Boredcravens.
2. (83 pts) Bino.
3. (78 pts) Drjjulius.
4. (73 pts) tonyjia888.
5. (72 pts) cyclone14.

NBA Ejections: D Crawford, TFFL Day 56

Crew Chief Dan Crawford ejected Lakers center Dwight Howard for a flagrant foul penalty two committed against Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried during the 3rd quarter of the Lakers-Nuggets game. With 5:02 remaining in the 3rd period, Howard unnecessarily and excessively contacted an airborne Faried and was ejected pursuant to NBA Rule 12A-V-1-5. Replays indicate Howard's hands made significant contact with Faried's face during the shot attempt. At the time of the ejection, the Nuggets were leading, 78-72. The Nuggets ultimately won the contest, 126-114.

Wrap: Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets, 12/26/12
Video: Howard flagrantly fouls Faried; type 2 immediately signaled by Crawford and confirmed after review 

2012-13 TFFL: Day 56 (12 Games, 9 Technicals).

364: 49 Tom Washington, 33 Sean Corbin, 37 Lauren Holtkamp. Heat's Haslem; 2nd, 4:09 (double-365).
365: 49 Tom Washington, 33 Sean Corbin, 37 Lauren Holtkamp. Bobcats' Henderson; 2nd, 4:09 (d-364).
The Miami Heat ultimately won the contest, defeating the Charlotte Bobcats, 105-92.

366: 23 Jason Phillips, 30 John Goble, 34 Kevin Cutler. Pistons' Drummond; 2nd, 9:03.
^The Atlanta Hawks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Detroit Pistons, 126-119, in two overtimes.^

367: 14 Ed Malloy, 16 David Guthrie, 77 Karl Lane. Nets' Blatche; 2nd, 9:00.
The Milwaukee Bucks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Brooklyn Nets, 108-93.

368: 10 Ron Garretson, 11 Derrick Collins, 63 Derek Richardson. Raptors' Kleiza; 2nd, 6:15.
The San Antonio Spurs ultimately won the contest, defeating the Toronto Raptors, 100-80.

369: 43 Dan Crawford, 18 Matt Boland, 42 Eric Lewis. Nuggets' McGee; 3rd, 3:53.
The Denver Nuggets ultimately won the contest, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers, 126-114.

370: 71 Rodney Mott, 60 James Williams, 61 Courtney Kirkland. Warriors' Jack; 2nd, 9:19 (double-371).
371: 71 Rodney Mott, 60 James Williams, 61 Courtney Kirkland. Jazz's Kanter; 2nd, 9:19 (double-370).
372: 71 Rodney Mott, 60 James Williams, 61 Courtney Kirkland. Jazz's Favors; 2nd, 9:19.
The Golden State Warriors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Utah Jazz, 94-83.

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (84 pts) Boredcravens.
2. (82 pts) Bino.
3. (78 pts) Drjjulius.
4. (72 pts) tonyjia888.
5. (71 pts) cyclone14.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 55 (Christmas), Technical Fouls 352 - 363

2012-13 TFFL: Day 55 [Christmas Day] (5 Games, 12 Technicals).

352: 24 Mike Callahan, 20 Leroy Richardson, 28 Zach Zarba. Celtics' Garnett; 4th, 9:31 (double-353).

353: 24 Mike Callahan, 20 Leroy Richardson, 28 Zach Zarba. Nets' Wallace; 4th, 9:31 (double-352).

354: 24 Mike Callahan, 20 Leroy Richardson, 28 Zach Zarba. Celtics' Lee; 4th, 9:31 (double-355).

355: 24 Mike Callahan, 20 Leroy Richardson, 28 Zach Zarba. Nets' Blatche; 4th, 9:31 (double-354).

Video Link: Garnett fouls Wallace under the basket, resulting in a four-technical scuffle (all offsetting).

The Boston Celtics ultimately won the contest, defeating the Brooklyn Nets, 93-76.

356: 9 Derrick Stafford, 47 Bennie Adams, 60 James Williams. Lakers' D'Antoni; 2nd, 6:50.

357: 9 Derrick Stafford, 47 Bennie Adams, 60 James Williams. Knicks' Chandler; 3rd, 0:02.6.

The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately won the contest, defeating the New York Knicks, 100-94.

358: 13 Monty McCutchen, 6 Tony Brown, 30 John Goble. Thunder's Durant; 1st, 2:08.

359: 13 Monty McCutchen, 6 Tony Brown, 30 John Goble. Heat's James; 1st, 0:11.3.

Note: Heat F LeBron James was called for his first personal foul in 17 days during the 1st quarter.

360: 13 Monty McCutchen, 6 Tony Brown, 30 John Goble. Heat's Wade; 4th, 10:52 (double-361).

361: 13 Monty McCutchen, 6 Tony Brown, 30 John Goble. Thunder's Ibaka; 4th, 10:52 (double-360).

362: 13 Monty McCutchen, 6 Tony Brown, 30 John Goble. Thunder's Westbrook; 4th, 0:01.4.

The Miami Heat ultimately won the contest, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder, 103-97.

363: 55 Bill Kennedy, 61 Courtney Kirkland, 12 Violet Palmer. Clippers' Paul; 3rd, 6:42.
The Los Angeles Clippers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Denver Nuggets, 112-100.

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (82 pts) Boredcravens.
2. (81 pts) Bino.
3. (73 pts) Drjjulius.
4. (71 pts) cyclone14.
5. (68 pts) tonyjia888, JeremyJ, flap0703.

NBA Ejections: Mott (x1), TFFL Day 54 / Spooner Rehab Gm

Referees Rodney Mott, Eli Roe & Leon Wood ejected Suns head coach Alvin Gentry for two consecutive conduct technical fouls in the 2nd quarter of the Clippers-Suns game. With 2:33 remaining in the period, Gentry objected to a no-call as Suns guard Goran Dragic's three-point attempt missed and was rebounded by Clippers forward Matt Barnes. At the time of the ejection, the Clippers were leading, 50-42. The Clippers ultimately won the contest,

Wrap: Clippers vs. Suns, 12/23/12 (Video of Gentry's ejection N/A)

Personnel Note: NBA Official Bill Spooner (22) served as crew chief during this weekend's Idaho Stampede vs. Los Angeles D-Fenders NBA D-League contest. Spooner's crew, which included referee Sir Allen Conner and umpire Tiffany Bird, ejected D-Fenders guard Courtney Fortson for receiving a second technical foul at 6:45 in the third quarter. Spooner was placed on the NBA officials' disabled list earlier this season with an undisclosed leg injury.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 54 (6 Games, 11 Technicals, 1 Ejection).

341: 38 Michael Smith, 26 Pat Fraher, 74 Curtis Blair. 76ers' Hawes; 1st, 2:13.

The Brooklyn Nets ultimately won the contest, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, 95-92.

342: 24 Mike Callahan, 33 Sean Corbin, 68 Marat Kogut. Knicks' Smith; 4th, 8:30.

343: 24 Mike Callahan, 33 Sean Corbin, 68 Marat Kogut. Knicks' Woodson; 4th, 3:04.

The New York Knicks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves, 94-91.

344: 36 David Jones, 30 John Goble, 50 Olandis Poole. Magic's Redick; 4th, 6:34.

The Utah Jazz ultimately won the contest, defeating the Orlando Magic, 97-93.

345: 25 Tony Brothers, 65 Sean Wright, 77 Karl Lane. Mavericks' Mayo; 2nd, 2:44.

The San Antonio Spurs ultimately won the contest, defeating the Dallas Mavericks, 100-66.

346: 71 Rodney Mott, 44 Eli Roe, 40 Leon Wood. Clippers' Turiaf; 2nd, 6:15 (double-347).

347: 71 Rodney Mott, 44 Eli Roe, 40 Leon Wood. Suns' O'Neal; 2nd, 6:15 (double-346).

348: 71 Rodney Mott, 44 Eli Roe, 40 Leon Wood. Suns' Gentry; 2nd, 2:33 (consecutive-349).

349: 71 Rodney Mott, 44 Eli Roe, 40 Leon Wood. Suns' Gentry; 2nd, 2:33 (consecutive-348).

*Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry ejected for second technical foul*

350: 71 Rodney Mott, 44 Eli Roe, 40 Leon Wood. Suns' Gortat; 3rd, 8:34.

351: 71 Rodney Mott, 44 Eli Roe, 40 Leon Wood. Clippers' Jordan; 3rd, 5:34.

The Los Angeles Clippers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 103-77.

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (78 pts) Boredcravens.

2. (77 pts) Bino.

3. (68 pts) tonyjia888.

4. (67 pts) youthministeradam, cyclone14.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 53, Technical Fouls 335 - 340

2012-13 TFFL: Day 53 (9 Games, 6 Technicals).

335: 14 Ed Malloy, 11 Derrick Collins, 75 Eric Dalen. Bulls' Teague; 4th, 9:52.

336: 14 Ed Malloy, 11 Derrick Collins, 75 Eric Dalen. Hawks' Morrow; 4th, 9:51.

The Atlanta Hawks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Chicago Bulls, 92-75.

337: 8 Marc Davis, 7 Kevin Fehr, 16 David Guthrie. Heat's James; 2nd, 0:32.2.

338: 8 Marc Davis, 7 Kevin Fehr, 16 David Guthrie. Jazz's Corbin; 4th, 9:59.

The Miami Heat ultimately won the contest, defeating the Utah Jazz, 105-89.

*Note: LeBron James last was charged with a personal foul on December 8 and had not been called for a foul of any sort since that time. With Saturday's technical, James' personal foul streak remains alive, though his general fouls streak has been snapped.*

339: 71 Rodney Mott, 40 Leon Wood, 56 Mark Ayotte. Nuggets' Faried; 2nd, 11:24.

The Denver Nuggets ultimately won the contest, defeating the Charlotte Bobcats, 110-88.

340: 55 Bill Kennedy, 35 Kane Fitzgerald, 44 Eli Roe. Lakers' Howard; 1st, 7:02.

^The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Golden State Warriors, 118-115 in 1 OT.^

*Note: Washington Wizards coach Randy Wittman allegedly attempted to draw a technical foul from officials Zach Zarba, Brent Barnaky and Mark Lindsay in the first quarter of the Piston-Wizards game; however, the officials charged WAS with a team technical for delay-of-game, rather than a technical charged directly to the coach. Said Wittman, "I've been trying to get thrown out for a while. These guys won't even throw me out."*

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (77 pts) Bino.

2. (76 pts) Boredcravens.

3. (67 pts) youthministeradam.

4. (65 pts) cyclone14, Drjjulius.

NBA Ejections: Zarba, Goble & Poole (x4); TFFL Day 52

Umpire Olandis Poole ejected Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony & Referee John Goble ejected head coach Mike Woodson for second technical fouls; additionally, Crew Chief Zach Zarba ejected Bulls center Joakim Noah (2nd tech) and Knicks center Tyson Chandler (1st tech) for fighting in the 4th quarter of the Bulls-Knicks game. With 6:45 remaining in the 4th period, Anthony received his second technical foul of the contest, resulting in his ejection. With 5:22 remaining in the 4th period, Woodson received his second technical foul of the contest, resulting in his ejection. With 4:39 remaining in the 4th period, Noah received his second technical foul of the contest while Chandler received his first during a double technical and an automatic ejection for fighting. At the time of the final technical fouls, the Bulls were leading, 97-81. The Bulls ultimately won the contest, 110-106.

Wrap: Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks, 12/21/12

Video: Four ejected during CHI-NYK game, two for unsporting T's, two for fighting

2012-13 TFFL: Day 51 (3 Games, 1 Technical).

312: 17 Joe Crawford, 26 Pat Fraher, 58 Josh Tiven. Thunder's Durant; 4th, 2:24.

The Minnesota Timberwolves ultimately won the contest, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder, 99-93.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 52 (10 Games, 22 Technicals, 4 Ejections).

313: 13 Monty McCutchen, 33 Sean Corbin, 68 Marat Kogut. Magic's Redick; 3rd, 2:03.

The Toronto Raptors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Orlando Magic, 93-90.

314: 41 Ken Mauer, 65 Sean Wright, 70 Brent Barnaky. Celtics' Rondo; 1st, 2:40.

The Milwaukee Bucks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Boston Celtics, 99-94.

315: 28 Zach Zarba, 30 John Goble, 50 Olandis Poole. Knicks' Anthony; 1st, 0:34.9.

316: 28 Zach Zarba, 30 John Goble, 50 Olandis Poole. Knicks' Smith; 3rd, 6:15.

317: 28 Zach Zarba, 30 John Goble, 50 Olandis Poole. Knicks' Woodson; 3rd, 6:00.

318: 28 Zach Zarba, 30 John Goble, 50 Olandis Poole. Bulls' Noah; 3rd, 2:53.

319: 28 Zach Zarba, 30 John Goble, 50 Olandis Poole. Bulls' Thibodeau; 4th, 10:53.

320: 28 Zach Zarba, 30 John Goble, 50 Olandis Poole. Knicks' Anthony; 4th, 6:45.

*Knicks' Carmelo Anthony Ejected (Second Technical Foul)*

321: 28 Zach Zarba, 30 John Goble, 50 Olandis Poole. Knicks' Woodson; 4th, 5:22.

*Knicks' Mike Woodson Ejected (Second Technical Foul)*

322: 28 Zach Zarba, 30 John Goble, 50 Olandis Poole. Bulls' Noah; 4th, 4:39 (double-323).

323: 28 Zach Zarba, 30 John Goble, 50 Olandis Poole. Knicks' Chandler; 4th, 4:39 (double-322).

*Bulls' Noah Ejected (Second Technical Foul), Knicks' Chandler Ejected (First Fighting Technical)*

^The Chicago Bulls ultimately won the contest, 110-106^ (4-pt differential within technical foul pt spread)

324: 19 James Capers, 38 Michael Smith, 60 James Williams. Wizards' Crawford; 3rd, 7:54.

The Detroit Pistons ultimately won the contest, defeating the Washington Wizards, 100-68.

325: 23 Jason Phillips, 42 Eric Lewis, 75 Eric Dalen. Pacers' T. Hansbrough; 4th, 10:39 (double-326).

326: 23 Jason Phillips, 42 Eric Lewis, 75 Eric Dalen. Cavaliers' Thompson; 4th, 10:39 (double-325).

327: 23 Jason Phillips, 42 Eric Lewis, 75 Eric Dalen. Pacers' Green; 4th, 10:26.

The Indiana Pacers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers, 99-89.

328: 15 Bennett Salvatore, 59 Gary Zielinski, 74 Curtis Blair. Grizzlies' Pondexter; 2nd, 8:52.

329: 15 Bennett Salvatore, 59 Gary Zielinski, 74 Curtis Blair. Grizzlies' Ellington; 4th, 10:30 (double-330).

330: 15 Bennett Salvatore, 59 Gary Zielinski, 74 Curtis Blair. Mavericks' Da. Jones; 4th, 10:30 (double-329).

331: 15 Bennett Salvatore, 59 Gary Zielinski, 74 Curtis Blair. Grizzlies' Hollins; 4th, 10:30 (false).

The Memphis Grizzlies ultimately won the contest, defeating the Dallas Mavericks, 92-82.

332: 48 Scott Foster, 35 Kane Fitzgerald, 63 Derek Richardson. Clippers' Odom; 2nd, 4:05.

333: 48 Scott Foster, 35 Kane Fitzgerald, 63 Derek Richardson. Clippers' Barnes; 4th, 2:27.

The Los Angeles Clippers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Sacramento Kings, 97-85.

334: 54 Nick Buchert, 10 Ron Garretson, 20 Leroy Richardson; Warriors' Barnes; 4th, 0:36.4.

The Golden State Warriors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Charlotte Bobcats, 115-100.

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (77 pts) Bino.

2. (76 pts) Boredcravens.

3. (67 pts) youthministeradam.

4. (65 pts) cyclone14, Drjjulius.

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Greetings all,

Due to unforeseen circumstances, new content on Close Call Sports will be unavailable for an indefinite period of time. Existing content will remain visible. We apologize for this inconvenience though rest assured, TFFL and other CCS content will continue to be created "off-line" and will be uploaded to the website when the issue is resolved.

Thank you and most pleasant regards for this holiday season,
Gil

2012-13 TFFL: Day 50, Technical Fouls 307 - 311

2012-13 TFFL: Day 50 (11 Games, 5 Technicals).

307: 24 Mike Callahan, 42 Eric Lewis, 72 J.T. Orr. Pistons' Drummond; 4th, 12:00.
The Toronto Raptors ultimately won the contest, 97-91.

308: 7 Kevin Fehr, 36 David Jones, 41 Ken Mauer. Nets' Humphries; 1st, 4:32.
The New York Knicks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Brooklyn Nets, 100-86.

309: 49 Tom Washington, 47 Bennie Adams, 60 James Williams. Hawks' Horford; 3rd, 9:07.
310: 49 Tom Washington, 47 Bennie Adams, 60 James Williams. Hawks' Smith; 3rd, 3:12.
The Oklahoma City Thunder ultimately won the contest, defeating the Atlanta Hawks, 100-92.

311: 25 Tony Brothers, 20 Leroy Richardson, 54 Nick Buchert. Clippers' Barnes; 2nd, 6:19.
The Los Angeles Clippers ultimately won the contest, defeating the New Orleans Hornets, 93-77.

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (63 pts) Bino, youthministeradam.
3. (62 pts) cyclone14.

4. (61 pts) Boredcravens, ump89.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 49, Technical Fouls 302 - 306

2012-13 TFFL: Day 49 (10 Games, 5 Technicals).

302: 17 Joe Crawford, 30 John Goble, 78 Scott Bolnick. Hawks' Teague; 3rd, 8:32 (double-303).

303: 17 Joe Crawford, 30 John Goble, 78 Scott Bolnick. Wizards' Crawford; 3rd, 8:32 (double-302).

The Atlanta Hawks ultimately won the contest, defeating the Washington Wizards, 100-95.

304: 38 Michael Smith, 34 Kevin Cutler, 58 Josh Tiven. Raptors' Lucas III; 4th, 9:09.

The Toronto Raptors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers, 113-99.

305: 43 Dan Crawford, 65 Sean Wright, 74 Curtis Blair. Heat's Haslem; 2nd, 5:20.

The Miami Heat ultimately won the contest, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves, 103-92.

306: 9 Derrick Stafford, 26 Pat Fraher, 50 Olandis Poole. Pacers' West; 3rd, 0:26.7.

The Milwaukee Bucks ultimately won the contest, 98-93.

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (62 pts) Bino, youthministeradam.

3. (60 pts) cyclone14, Boredcravens, ump89.

Umpire Therapists, Actors & Helpless Punching Bags

MLB.com's Zack Meisel has published an article regarding the lighter side of manager ejections, those in which skippers deviate from their standard argument to vent about their team or something else not related to the game at hand. In these situations, umpires often must act in order to further the show. Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda explained one reason behind this act: "'You have to throw me out because I have 48,000 people in the ballpark.'"

Featured are umpires Bob Davidson, Tom Hallion, Ted Barrett and Dale Scott, with comical stories of some memorable skipper ejections, including:

— Davidson's ejection of Lasorda. Lasorda discussed the perils of dining at an Italian restaurant.
— Barrett's ejection of an anonymous manager. The manager vented about his team's poor performance.
— Scott's ejection of retired Twins skipper Tom Kelly: "'[My batter] can't run in the [stupid] running lane.'"
—Scott's ejection of former Angels manager Terry Collins: "'I know that was the right call. But we [stink].'"
—Davidson's ejection of Rays manager Joe Maddon. The duo went nose-to-nose sharing cordialities.
—Barrett's ejection of Maddon, who replied "I love you" to Barrett's "one more word" ultimatum.
—Barrett's ejection of former Yankees skipper Joe Torre. Torre vented about his own playing career.

Davidson's May 15 ejection of Charlie Manuel received the 2012 Ejection of the Year Award, while Barrett, joined by Jim Joyce, was named 2012 Honorable Umpire. Davidson was also named Most Improved Umpire.

News: Skipper vs. ump arguments not always as they seem (MLB.com)

2012-13 TFFL: Day 48, Technical Fouls 298 - 301

2012-13 TFFL: Day 48 (6 Games, 4 Technicals).

298: 41 Ken Mauer, 47 Bennie Adams, 56 Mark Ayotte. Magic's Davis; 2nd, 1:18.

The Orlando Magic ultimately won the contest, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves, 102-93.

299: 9 Derrick Stafford, 34 Kevin Cutler, 36 David Jones. Clippers' Barnes; 4th, 5:52.

The Los Angeles Clippers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Detroit Pistons, 88-76.

300: 15 Bennett Salvatore, 52 Scott Twardoski, 61 Courtney Kirkland. Spurs' Popovich; 3rd, 7:00.

The Oklahoma City Thunder ultimately won the contest, defeating the San Antonio Spurs, 107-93.

301: 25 Tony Brothers, 45 Brian Forte, 75 Eric Dalen. Suns' Gortat; 4th, 4:40.

The Phoenix Suns ultimately won the contest, defeating the Sacramento Kings, 101-90.

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (61 pts) Bino.

2. (60 pts) youthministeradam, cyclone14, Boredcravens.

5. (57 pts) ump89.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 47, Technical Fouls 292 - 297

2012-13 TFFL: Day 47 (4 Games, 6 Technicals).

292: 49 Tom Washington, 44 Eli Roe, 65 Sean Wright. 76ers' Brown; 3rd, 10:39.
The Los Angeles Lakers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, 111-98.

293: 14 Ed Malloy, 33 Sean Corbin, 29 Mark Lindsay. Nuggets' A. Miller; 1st, 1:38 (double-294).
294: 14 Ed Malloy, 33 Sean Corbin, 29 Mark Lindsay. Kings' Brooks; 1st, 1:38 (double-293).
295: 14 Ed Malloy, 33 Sean Corbin, 29 Mark Lindsay. Kings' Cousins; 1st, 1:38 (double-296).
296: 14 Ed Malloy, 33 Sean Corbin, 29 Mark Lindsay. Nuggets' Faried; 1st, 1:38 (double-295).
297: 14 Ed Malloy, 33 Sean Corbin, 29 Mark Lindsay. Kings' Smart; 3rd, 10:28.
The Denver Nuggets ultimately won the contest, defeating the Sacramento Kings, 122-97.

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (60 pts) Bino.

2. (59 pts) youthministeradam, cyclone14, Boredcravens.

5. (56 pts) ump89, yawetag.

2012-13 TFFL: Day 46, Technical Fouls 288 - 291

2012-13 TFFL: Day 46 (10 Games, 4 Technicals).

288: 19 James Capers, 28 Zach Zarba, 56 Mark Ayotte. Hawks' Drew; 3rd, 12:00.
289: 19 James Capers, 28 Zach Zarba, 56 Mark Ayotte. Warriors' Curry; 4th, 7:19.
The Golden State Warriors ultimately won the contest, defeating the Atlanta Hawks, 115-93.

290: 23 Jason Phillips, 61 Courtney Kirkland, 58 Josh Tiven. Bucks' Pryzbilla; 4th, 1:36.
The Los Angeles Clippers ultimately won the contest, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks, 111-85.

291: 25 Tony Brothers, 45 Brian Forte, 75 Eric Dalen. Grizzlies' Bayless; 4th, 8:50.
The Memphis Grizzlies ultimately won the contest, defeating the Utah Jazz, 99-86.

2012-13 TFFL Standings Update

1. (60 pts) Bino.
2. (59 pts) youthministeradam, cyclone14.
4. (56 pts) ump89, yawetag.