Official Ted Valentine apologizes to Joel Berry II ahead of UNC's Saturday win

— -- University of North Carolina guard Joel Berry II said that official Ted Valentine apologized to him today before the Tar Heels' 80-66 win over Georgia Tech.?

The apology comes from an incident?in early January, when Valentine turned his back on Berry while Berry attempted to discuss a non-call with the official during a loss to Florida State on January 3.

Valentine was removed from two Big Ten games that he'd been scheduled to work as a result and even briefly mulled retirement?before returning to work.?

Berry and Valentine talked briefly, with Valentine and Berry smiling as they gave each other a brief embrace.?

Berry told reporters that he didn't think it was a big deal, but appreciated Valentine's apology.

"You can have a learning experience at any age," Berry said of Valentine.