Not all NCAA refs are bad: Beautiful moment with Liberty player captured during March Madness

With less than a minute remaining in Liberty's matchup against Oregon in the first round of March Madness, the outcome was already decided. The Ducks had secured a dominant lead, and the final moments were expected to play out uneventfully.

But one referee saw an opportunity to create a special moment for a player who had been waiting for his chance.

The mysterious "wet spot"

As time ticked away, a redshirt freshman, JC Shirer Jr., stood by the scorer's table, hoping to enter the game. However, with no stoppages in play, his chances of stepping onto the court were slipping away. That's when the official appeared to notice a supposed wet spot on the floor. Taking a moment to "inspect" it, the referee stopped play, allowing Shirer to check in.

A classy acknowledgment

After the game, a brief but telling exchange took place. Shirer and the referee shared a handshake, an unspoken recognition of the official's gesture. While referees are typically expected to remain neutral and uninvolved beyond enforcing the rules, this move was a harmless act of sportsmanship.

A moment to

Had the official not intervened, Shirer might never have had the chance to step onto the court in a March Madness game. While the outcome of the match was never in question, this simple action turned the final moments into something unforgettable for one young athlete. In a tournament known for its drama and emotional highs, sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest impact.