The NCAA has quietly demoted veteran referee Mark Travis following intense backlash over a no-call that occurred during one of the most pivotal moments of the Kentucky Wildcats’ 2024-2025 season. The controversial moment happened in the closing seconds of a heated matchup against rival Tennessee, where sophomore guard Rob Dillingham drove to the basket and appeared to be clearly fouled on a potential game-tying layup.
No whistle was blown.
The missed call sparked immediate outrage from Kentucky fans, coaches, and analysts alike. Head coach Mark Pope was visibly furious courtside, and post-game interviews were dominated by criticism of the officiating crew.
“This wasn’t just a missed call,” said former Wildcats legend and ESPN analyst Tony Delk. “It altered the momentum of the season, potentially seeding, and maybe even Kentucky’s path in March.”
After weeks of silence, the NCAA’s officiating board released a brief statement late Friday confirming that Mark Travis, who led the officiating crew that night, has been removed from high-profile assignments and will be reassigned to a developmental officiating role effective immediately.
While the NCAA did not reference the Wildcats-Tennessee game specifically, sources close to the situation confirmed that the decision stemmed directly from the botched call and the fallout that followed. Social media had erupted in days after the incident, with video clips of the play amassing over 3 million views and the hashtag #JusticeForDillingham trending nationwide.
Some fans and commentators are praising the accountability, but others say the damage has already been done.
“You can’t fix the past,” one Kentucky fan wrote online. “That call cost us momentum, confidence, and possibly a Final Four bid.”
The Wildcats, who eventually finished the season with a 24–9 record, were knocked out in the Sweet 16—an exit many believe might have been avoided had their late-season trajectory not been disrupted by the Tennessee loss.
Whether the demotion satisfies fans remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kentucky faithful won’t soon forget the night the whistle stayed silent.
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