Playing the Ref at Nextdoor

Playing the Ref at Nextdoor

Athletes, locked in competition, know how to play the ref. For example, watch an upcoming NBA game. Sooner or later, a big, strong, talented player dribbling the ball will charge towards the basket, and a defensive opponent who is in his way. The defender will tumble to the ground. And stay down to increase the tension. And finally, after lots of drama, he’ll get up to play the ref. Sometimes the game-within-a-game works. And the ref calls a fou…