Ref in viral Dan Hurley clip not working 2026 men's Final Four
The ref involved in the viral Dan Hurley moment won't work this weekend's Final Four in Indy.
Roger Ayers, the referee involved in the viral controversy involving UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley, will not be working the men's Final Four games in Indianapolis this weekend. The viral moment in question, at least in the moment, appeared as if Hurley got away with taunting Ayers after Braylon Mullins' game-winning Elite Eight shot against Duke . However, Hurley and Ayers both have downplayed the incident as a nothingburger.
Hurley praised Ayers as someone he's friendly with during games. While it's possible Ayers may have just worked his allotted tournament games, the NCAA not assigning him to work the men's Final Four does make you wonder if that viral moment gave folks, including opposing teams, some pause. While Ayers is a pro and clearly isn't biased against UConn for not calling a tech on Hurley, that moment in question might have the NCAA being hyper-cautious as to who is officiating UConn or any other team this weekend.
Roger Ayers, the official involved in a bizarre interaction with UConn coach Dan Hurley near the end of the Huskies' historic NCAA tournament victory over the Duke Blue Devils, is not among the referees assigned to officiate the men's Final Four. More: https://t. co/ixIsmQElkT pic.
twitter. com/gOdzpQvAel ā ESPN (@espn) March 31, 2026 Alas. At least this might quell the controversy before it got even more out of hand.