One-time champion Richard Jefferson is back on the NBA hardcourt, albeit in the Summer League … and as a referee!
Yes, that's right, Jefferson put on a different kind of uniform on Monday night during the New York Knicks-Portland Trail Blazers Summer League showdown in Las Vegas. He came in as a referee for the second quarter of the contest to the shock of many.
However, before he even started, Jefferson was already on the receiving end of some heckling. An audience member shouted “You suck, Richard” as Jefferson makes his officiating debut.
A Las Vegas Summer League heckler welcomes Richard Jefferson to the court for his officiating debut: “You suck, Richard!” pic.twitter.com/ugNkNF8u5c
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 12, 2022
Clearly, though, Richard Jefferson couldn't care less about the hater. Besides, it was an eventful experience for the ex-NBA forward.
Aside from the said heckler, the crowd in Las Vegas was pretty much supportive of Jefferson–over-supportive in fact. Fans cheered every time he bounced the ball, though a lot did boo his first whistle.
Richard Jefferson receives an ovation every time he bounces the ball to the player at the free throw line 😂
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/0N0fLTPbxC
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 12, 2022
. @Rjeff24’s first call as an NBA official gets met with HEAVY boo’s 😂 pic.twitter.com/xNnWJExHZx
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 12, 2022
For what it's worth, Jefferson admitted he still has a lot to learn after that brief moment as a referee. However, he seems willing to try it again next year and study more to do better.
“I will come back to summer league next year and attend class,” Jefferson said as he joined the broadcast crew and talked about his officiating.
The NBA Summer League has been an eventful showcase so far, and sure enough, Jefferson's participation made it more entertaining and fun. Here's to hoping he gets another officiating gig next year, and maybe they can give him a whole half by that time?
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