Uniformly recognized as not only a standout referee--but as the best referee, I was surprised to read that John applied for a license in Nevada, and was denied, citing a short list maintained by NSAC. 

John, by all accounts, is already on a short list.  ABC was confident enough in John to request his assistance in redrafting the uniform rules for Mixed Martial Arts. 

ABC was also confident enough in John that they issued him the only official training certification for referees and judges. 

http://www.bjmuta.com/big-john-mccarthy

"McCarthy drafted a curriculum and testing system named COMMAND for MMA referees and judges, which is the only program accredited by the ABC."  

He criticized the selection process for officials who don't understand the sport.  So what?  Is the criticism unwarranted?  Even if unwarranted, do we really want to encourage a system based upon pure politics, where any sort of dissent is ousted and shut down? 

Show that you are above politics, and that officials are chosen based on merit.  If John is applying for a license, grant it.  The sport is better for it, opinions and all. 

http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/mccarthys-return-to-nevada-nixed-19862

Nice article.