[BillBradley]

Officials all have bias, period. I fully admit my own in my past reffing experiences. It shows up in a number of ways:
- The studies show, across all the major sports, the influence a crowd has on the judgement of officials. It's a big part of the home field advantage
- Coaches can and do influence officials. Tara chooses not to take part in this. Classy for sure, but she could have influence if she wanted to - even in a nice way. IMO, this did come into play in the championship game as I thought Coach Barnes sidled up to the refs through little conversations, pats on the back, smiles, etc. along with giving them quizzical looks on questionable calls. Things like that do work. I also believe some coaches wield their power with the officials. Referees get a bit embarrassed and look for give back calls when Coach K gets in their face. Most would agree that Duke gets more than their fair share of the calls. 
- Just my opinion, but refs can't help but be influenced by underdog teams who are playing their hearts out (like Arizona). 
- etc.

I am on Paloalto's side in that I don't believe there are plans or collusion by larger powers to make games tighter, improve TV ratings, etc. However, the bias and influence that exists is formidable and I do believe it's a big reason for why games end up with (blechhh) a 18-2 free throw discrepancy.

[BillBradley]

Officials all have bias, period. I fully admit my own in my past reffing experiences. It shows up in a number of ways:
- The studies show, across all the major sports, the influence a crowd has on the judgement of officials. It's a big part of the home field advantage
- Coaches can and do influence officials. Tara chooses not to take part in this. Classy for sure, but she could have influence if she wanted to - even in a nice way. IMO, this did come into play in the championship game as I thought Coach Barnes sidled up to the refs through little conversations, pats on the back, smiles, etc. along with giving them quizzical looks on questionable calls. Things like that do work. I also believe some coaches wield their power with the officials. Referees get a bit embarrassed and look for give back calls when Coach K gets in their face. Most would agree that Duke gets more than their fair share of the calls. 
- Just my opinion, but refs can't help but be influenced by underdog teams who are playing their hearts out (like Arizona). 
- etc.

I am on Paloalto's side in that I don't believe there are plans or collusion by larger powers to make games tighter, improve TV ratings, etc. However, the bias and influence that exists is formidable and I do believe it's a big reason for why games end up with (blechhh) a 18-2 free throw discrepancy.