[Echo Talon]

The refs read the papers, and know who is "supposed" to win the game. This unconsciously affects their calls, and thus ticky-tack calls go against the team that is not supposed to win. In this case, that team was the Seahawks, and the game was close enough that those ticky-tack calls were absolutely critical.

I'd like to believe that it could be explained away that easily. I dont believe it. Why were those refs chosen for the Super Bowl? Everyone knows that Bernie Kukar and Ed Hocculi are the best 2 refs they have. Who was the dolt they had tonight?

[Steve_Seattle]

I have a very low opinion of sports ref, particularly in the NBA. So, yes, I think refs are VERY influenced by reputations and expectations.

[marshmallow]

I'd like to believe that it could be explained away that easily. I dont believe it. Why were those refs chosen for the Super Bowl? Everyone knows that Bernie Kukar and Ed Hocculi are the best 2 refs they have. Who was the dolt they had tonight?

Bill Levy.

His crew has the lowest percentage of calls overturned on replay in the league.