The Big Ten Referees That Worked Tonight's Michigan State/Illinois Game Deserve Prison Time

Not really much to say that isn't instantly captured in the title to this blog. It's very simple. The referees that worked the Illinois game tonight should be federally investigated and sent to prison. There's really no other way to put it and yes I'm well aware that Illinois had a significant advantage on the free throw line. So what. 

We're not here to talk about the free throw line. 

We're here to shift blame and point fingers, and there's no group more eligible for this than the Zebras that colluded against Brad Underwood tonight. They need video review to eject someone for assaulting Ayo. They miss critical out of bounds calls. They refuse to call Michigan State for any of their aggressive screens and typical hijinks. Honestly you know it's going to be home cooking every time on the road but nobody pictures it to be this drastic. 

And again, we're not here to talk about free throws. I'm aware Illinois missed 15 while losing by 9. I did the math. I'm not talking about the math. 

I'm talking about giving the boys a fair chance to win a conference road game. And without question or hesitation, Illinois was not given that chance coming off the bus tonight. Say what you want about the Ted Valentines of the world but I know shitty officiating when I see it, and tonight was just that. Very shitty officiating. 

That's how I'm able to compartmentalize tonight's soul crushing defeat as we move into the last stretch of Big Ten games. It's been a long, brutal, unpredictable season and I couldn't be prouder of how Illinois has responded along the way. The idea that this loss compromises or changes my national championship outlook is downright absurd. As long as Underwood is coaching and Ayo & Co. are playing, I'm high on my Illini. 

Always have been. Always will be. 

Next game up is Thursday night at home against Nebraska. Hopefully Hoiberg brings the cupcakes. 

See you guys this week on Red Line Radio. I'll do my best to bring the positivity.