Ref apologizes for comments about school board member

But in a letter, referee Tony Richert defended his decision to eject Echan from the Jan. 9 game pitting Manogue of Reno at Whittell of Zephyr Cove.

"On several occasions, Mr. Echan attracted my attention when his behavior crossed over the guidelines of sportsmanship," Richert wrote.

"My description of him as lewd was inappropriate and for that I apologize. I know I was right in asking the administration to eject him from the gym and I would take that course of action again."

Echan, whose son, Todd, is a Whittell basketball player, was asked to leave the game won by Manogue, 63-50. Richert afterward told a newspaper reporter that Echan's behavior was "lewd and aggressive."

Echan said he has mixed emotions about Richert's apology, but would drop plans to file a lawsuit.

"A charge of being unsportsmanlike is debatable," Echan said. "I think I have been very candid in acknowledging that I must check my comments at the door.

"But I could not live with accusations of lewdness. I was prepared to file a lawsuit if the matter could not have been handled the way it was. I think I would like to get it behind me."

Echan said many spectators were unhappy with the officiating that night, and he was merely adding his voice to the chorus. He claimed he yelled, "Get the whistle out of your mouth. These fouls are ticky-tack. Let the kids play."

Jerry Hughes, executive director of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association, said he does not believe Echan's comments were lewd. But he defended Richert's performance.

"I think it is important that people understand that officials are not perfect," Hughes said. "Maybe they make mistakes, but I sincerely believe they were doing the best job they could on that specific evening."

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