ACC Spokesman: No issue with referee in Louisville-Clemson game

Was there a conflict of interest with the head referee in Louisville-Clemson game? An ACC spokesman says no.

On Monday, Louisville fans began noting a link between Gary Patterson, the lead referee in the Louisville-Clemson clash on Oct. 1, and Clemson University. Some took issue with his family connection to the school and implied that the veteran official had a conflict of interest in the game.

On Tuesday, the league clarified its policy regarding conflicts of interest to CardinalSports.com. First the ACC rule on officiating conflicts of interest:

An ACC official cannot officiate a game in which:

1. He attended one of the schools (including post graduate work)

2. Has a spouse or children currently attending one of the schools.

3. He, his spouse, children or siblings have a business or employment relationship with one of the schools

4. He has a relationship or activity that could be perceived or construed as a conflict of interest, including, but not limited to, any college he made a financial contribution to or has been involved in a legal proceeding of any nature.

When asked by CardinalSports.com if the ACC was "comfortable that (Patterson's) relationship with Clemson isn't a conflict of interest?"

A league official replied via email: "There is no relationship. The ACC has had a long standing policy that having a child that previously attended a school, does not disqualify an official from working a game with that school."

Patterson, a South Carolina native, is a veteran college football official with more than 25 years experience including BCS bowl games and numerous games in several major conferences including the ACC and SEC.