"Valentine told The Athletic that he thought the Berry incident was being overblown."

It isn't really his place to determine or decide if it is being overblown.

De-escalating the situation? Good referees will actually take the time to engage with a coach or player. Valentine was not de-escalating the situation. He

If he knows his reputation as TV Teddy, then he either doesn't care or doesn't follow the theme that referees are not supposed to be that way.