Black refs allege bias, plan to file federal suit

Source: Omaha World Herald

By Paul Goodsell

More than a dozen black high school referees plan to file a federal discrimination lawsuit over the way refs are selected to officiate at Nebraska's state basketball tournaments.

Chanell Hickey, one of several black referees who raised the issue two years ago, said little has changed since then.

“There's not been any progress at all,” said Hickey, a 12-year veteran ref who has not been chosen to work a state tournament. “The whole integrity of the selection process is corrupt and flawed.”

Hickey and others plan a press conference today to announce plans for their lawsuit against the Nebraska School Activities Association. The tournament for boys high school teams begins Thursday; the girls games were held last weekend.

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