It all started on March 23, 2023, when Kim English was named the head coach of the Providence Friars. While it was his first season, he ensured he left an impact. Under his coaching guidance, the Friars had a 21-14 overall record and a 10-10 record in Big East play. Well, his impact wasn’t just limited to this. Devin Carter, who flourished in his first season, became the 44th Friar drafted all-time in the NBA as he was selected with the 13th pick in the 2024 draft. And it was right then that English signed a six-year contract extension with the Friars, thinking the run would be as efficient as before. But what happened after made fans frustrated?

Big East Conference levied a $5,000 fine on Kim English for making “derogatory comments directed at a game official” after his ejection during Providence’s 91-82 loss to Xavier last Wednesday. The controversial decision has sparked outrage among fans and analysts, many of whom are questioning the lack of accountability for NCAA referees.

English received two technical fouls during the game, the first coming at 15:11 of the first half when referee Brent Hampton called him for a tech while English was seemingly trying to understand an officiating decision. The second came less than two minutes into the second half after English objected to what he perceived as a missed travel call that resulted in a Xavier three-pointer. The back-to-back infractions led to his ejection, sending him to the locker room early in the game.

Following the game, English did not hold back in his criticism of the officiating, specifically calling out Hampton for his role in the game’s outcome. He explained that his first technical foul was the result of a miscommunication with Hampton. According to English, Hampton asked him to tell one of his assistant coaches to sit down. However, when English pointed out that two assistant coaches from the opposing team were also standing, Hampton immediately issued the technical foul.

“I said, ‘They have two assistant coaches standing up,’ and I got a tech,” English recalled.

This isn’t the first time English has been vocal about refereeing decisions this season. Through 26 games, Providence has attempted 59 fewer free throws than its opponents and has been whistled for 60 more personal fouls. Despite this, English had largely refrained from blaming officiating for the Friars’ struggles.

“I have not said one thing about officiating. It’s about us,” English had previously stated. However, his postgame comments after the Xavier loss signaled a shift in tone, leading fans to rally behind him.

Fans defend Kim English against the announcement

News of English’s fine ignited a strong reaction from fans, with many questioning why referees are not held to the same standard when it comes to missed or inconsistent calls. Social media and comment sections were flooded with messages.

“How much are they fining Brent Hampton for being a bad referee?” one questioned. The HC’s side of the story reveals he felt wronged for his first tech. Brent Hampton, the referee for the night, supposedly asked English to ask one of his two assistant coaches to sit down. When the coach pointed out that two from the opponent’s side were also standing up, it did not sit right.

“And he said, ‘Oh, that’s how you’re going to do it? That’s how you’re going to do it?’ I said, ‘They have two assistant coaches standing up.’ I got a tech,” English narrated. But that wasn’t all to the story. He also revealed that there was a missed travel call that would end in a three for the Xaviers. Instances as such has fans questioning the officiating.

“Where are the penalties for missed and inconsistent calls by the referees! They are getting worse and worse, and replay does not help the situation,” another noted. Just last year, the calls for referee accountability soared when frequent officiating calls had become a concern, drawing reaction from the likes of Geno Auriemma and Utah athletic director Mark Harlan. There are internal reviews and corrective actions in place for bad calls. But the processes of those haven’t been as frequent, leaving fans agitated.

“And zero accountability for officials The NCAA Way,” added another spectator. “That’s my exact question when do the referees get fined?” expressed another.

English hasn’t been a stranger to whistles this season. The Friars have reportedly attempted 59 fewer free throws than its opponents through 26 games this season and have been whistled for 60 more personal fouls. So he isn’t laying all the blame on referees each time. “I have not said one thing about officiating. It’s about us,” he had said. So when he spoke about the officiating against Xavier, fans knew he was making a valid point.

“If I had 5k to spare I would pay the fine for English myself and I have not been the biggest fan of his this yr,” another added.

The Friars, who currently hold a 12-14 overall record and 6-9 in Big East play, will be looking to bounce back as they face Georgetown on Wednesday night. With fans demanding better officiating and English determined to keep his team competitive, all eyes will be on whether the officiating in their upcoming games will show any improvement.

Despite the ongoing debate, Providence must focus on finishing the season strong as they attempt to secure a better standing in the Big East. Meanwhile, the conversation surrounding referee accountability and NCAA officiating policies is far from over.