During the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the No. 9 Creighton Blue Jays defeated the No. 8 Louisville Cardinals 89-75. However, the game’s attention shifted to referee Ted Valentine due to a controversial moment.
As Louisville attempted a comeback, head coach Pat Kelsey argued with referee Brooks Wells, leading to a technical foul. This call halted the Cardinals’ momentum and angered the crowd, with one fan even throwing a water bottle onto the court, causing a delay.
During the stoppage, Kelsey and Valentine exchanged words near the announce table, further provoking the crowd. As fans continued to heckle him, Valentine responded by blowing a kiss to the audience at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
It remains unclear whether the crowd believed Valentine made the technical foul call or if they were venting their frustration at the entire officiating crew. Regardless, Kelsey admitted fault, saying, “I got frustrated and said something I shouldn’t have said, and he T’d me up. Far less than an ideal time to get a technical.”
Valentine’s reaction to the crowd drew criticism, as referees are expected to maintain composure and impartiality. His actions fueled further controversy about the officiating during the game.
