Bennett Salvatore

Very good, a lot better than his restaurant

I started disliking Bennett Salvatore during the 2001 NBA Finals between the Sixers and the Lakers. It was clear to me that he wanted to be the show - he was not content to let the players steal his spotlight. He made call after phantom call from out of position, that he had no business making. It honestly looked like he just wanted to be part of the action. He looks like a pro ref, he acts like a pro ref, and he is supremely confident and decisive in his actions. It just doesn't seem that he has any clue how to referee a basketball game.

Salvatore is like every NBA ref in their 60's, way past their prime. Declining eyesight and reaction time. Maybe the king of the "phantom call" and also anticipates contact, blows charge/block often, and so on.

Salvatore is by far and away one of the worst officials in the league. Not to mention he seems to have a number of personal vendettas among many players and coaches.

Not to mention this guy. Calling fouls from the other side of the court - who does that? and why shouldn't they be fired?