Has Anyone Seen These Men?

As the ACC Area Sports Journal's Dave Glenn mentioned in his blog from the ACC Tournament, long-time ACC referee Duke Edsall was a no-show in Tampa last week. Also missing was NC State favorite Larry Rose. After calling the 2005 Championship Game, Rose and Edsall have been noticeably absent from ACC Tournament games. Rose worked every ACC Championship game from 1997 to 2003. He probably would have worked the 2004 championship, but former ACC supervisor of officials Fred Barakat sent Rose home after the 2004 semi-final game between NC State and Maryland when Rose called a technical foul against NC State's managers for not getting off of the court quickly enough after a timeout. Edsall worked the 1999, 2002 and 2005 championship games.

After extensive research, the ACC Fan Blog has learned that both officials were spotted last week in Memphis Working the Memphis Invitational (C-USA Tournament). Rose worked the championship while Edsall worked through the semi-finals. Edsall was also at Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) tournament where he worked the championship game with Bernard Clinton who is regarded as one of the ACC's up and coming officials and veteran Mike Wood.

The reason for these absences? A hint may be found in this 2006 quote from ACC supervisor of officials John Clougherty who replaced Fred Barakat after the 2005 season.

Other referees familiar to ACC fans, such as Larry Rose and Duke Edsall,
have worked fewer ACC games. Clougherty said it's natural for there to be some
turnover.

"After 30 years, I think I have a pretty good eye for talent, who can carry the load," he said. More...

The ACC Fan Blog plans to keep track of your favorite ACC referees (ok... I know it's an oxymoron) throughout March Madness.