It’s Time for the Utah Jazz
to Stop Playing for the Whistle

A Heartfelt Plea from a Lifelong Jazz Fan

My dearest Utah Jazz,

It is with sincere reflection that I choose to write you this note today.

You see, I spend a great deal of my time researching, pondering and discussing the inner and outer workings of your organization, so much so, in fact, that at times I feel as though I am a part of it myself.

Please know that I do not say these things out of spite, hatred or a feeling of superiority. But instead, I relay this message out of love, devotion and loyalty to a culture and an identity which I feel perfectly suits this fine community on the banks of the great lake of salt.

Culture and Identity Perceived by a Utah Jazz Fan

We all know that the Utah Jazz knows what it means to be an underdog. The facts that you’re a small market team and lack any real nightlife (you family-oriented SUCKERS) are just the beginning to a long list of reasons why you shouldn’t be successful in today’s NBA.

And now, it seems there’s another reason to add:

NBA Referees Have Fragile Egos

It’s nothing new. In fact, it’s something we’ve seen forever, but perhaps no more than during the past decade or so.

I’m not really exactly sure how these egos became so fragile. Perhaps it was years and years and years of being constantly berated by “adults” being paid millions of dollars to play a game.

I’m sure it didn’t help that these “adults” keep getting younger and younger, being paid more and more with every passing year.

Somewhere along the lines, these referees also began respecting certain players and their team more than other players and their team.

What does this weird bias lead to?

Watch some highlights of it below:

This Utah Jazz Fan’s Conclusion After a Dumpster Fire

The Utah Jazz have seen this type of “officiating” for the entirety of its existence. It goes back to the team’s days matching up against the Showtime Lakers and the GOAT.

But for some reason, it seems to have gotten worse as of late. It’s almost as if the Refs have begun to openly say:

“That team from Utah? Yeah, we’re not gonna help them out at all.”

Utah Jazz Argument

Need an example of NBA Officials blatantly missing calls that everyone in the entire world can see should go in the Jazz’ favor?

Replay Review (Tiven): if Harden was attempting a 2 or 3-point FG (initially ruled a 2-point FG attempt) when he was fouled in Q4 of #UTAatHOU. Ruling: Overturned, 3-point FG attempt. pic.twitter.com/eJAIAmqeWx

— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) December 18, 2018

How about an example of NBA Officials blatantly calling a foul that SHOULD NEVER have been called, and ultimately, goes AGAINST the Utah Jazz:

In case you’re wondering how sad and petty the @OfficialNBARefs are… this was called a foul on @rudygobert27 pic.twitter.com/Jsvfjpkpfk

— The Jazz Fan Show (@JazzFanShow) December 11, 2018

Now I’ll admit, for the first quarter of the season, these kinds of things simple enraged me. But now, I’m used to them.

What I’m getting really sick of at this point is Utah Jazz players arguing for a call while the other team runs down the floor and scores.

Like, I get it. You should have gotten the call. But guess what?

The refs not gonna call it.

I’m sorry, there’s nothing we can do about it. Their fragile egos and inability to see the world objectively makes it impossible to call a game in your favor.

So what do we do now?

How about we just accept that the world is against us and…

JUST KEEP PLAYING BASKETBALL.

No more arguing with the refs. Save your postgame comments and your Mario war cries and…

GET BACK ON DEFENSE.

Overall, just please, for all that is good and decent in this world…

STOP PLAYING FOR THE WHISTLE.

It’s never been called our way, so why would it start now?

About the Utah Jazz Fan Show

The Jazz Fan Show is a radio show, podcast and blog focusing on all things Utah Jazz. Founded by Ryan Van Dorn and Kelby Jones in September of 2018.

You can hear the show Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 AM MST on 1280 AM and 97.5 FM The Zone.

The Jazz Fan Show is also now available in podcast format! Click the links below and subscribe today!

iTunes

Spotify 

JazzFanShow.com

TryDayTrading.com

1280TheZone.com

The Zone Sports Network App

Soundcloud

Why Subscribe to The Utah Jazz Fan Show?

The show began in an attempt to create more content around the Utah Jazz for the fans to enjoy.

Our goal has been to contact and bring together as many die-hard Utah Jazz fans as we can, and we’re having a great time doing it!

If you or someone you know love the Utah Jazz, contact us today for a chance to come on the show and discuss what it means to you to be a Utah Jazz fan!

PLUS, listening to The Jazz Fan Show is your best way to get information on upcoming giveaways!

The Utah Jazz Fan Show:

Where Everything’s Made Up and the Stats Don’t Matter