NFL Officials got it RIGHT by overturning Cleaveland's first down (my title)

ESPN ^ | December 17, 2001 | Associated Press

[TexRef]

To all of the official bashers out there, time to eat a little crow... Take a look at the following excerpts from NFL reviewing end of Browns-Jaguars game (Click the link to read the entire article).

According to the article, the NFL reached a conclusion today that the "...correct procedures were followed and the correct decision made when replay overturned what had been ruled a fourth-down catch by Cleveland's Quincy Morgan."

BUT, BUT... All the Cleveland fans whine -- you CAN'T challenge a play when another play has been run -- EVERYBODY knows that.

Well, turns out that's not really how it played out. NFL's Director of Officiating Mike Pereira described what happened:

"The Browns were in a no-huddle offense trying to get to the line of scrimmage to snap the ball and stop the clock. Things were moving very quickly. When the pager went off (just before the snap), the referee allowed the play to take place before confirming with the umpire and the replay assistant that he was paged for a review."

Now you can sit here and debate about the rule all you want, but the fact is that the officials got it right AGAIN!

[TexRef]

And before the most rabid of you start hurling personal insults against the officials, remember that a lot of Freepers are sports officials (including yours truly) and we do happen to take it a little personally. (Save your insults for people who really deserve them like Chucky and Hitlery!)

BTW, if you've never officiated before and think it's soooo easy, go to Start Officiating and become an official yourself!

[TexRef]

Ping for the officiating crew.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Can someone explain why spiking the ball to kill the clock isn't intentional grounding that would lead to a penalty? I heard some reference to this yesterday, but no one explained why it wouldn't be. After all, the quarterback is still in the pocket and is clearly trying to ground the ball.

[tbeatty]

The reality is the receiver dropped the ball. The Ref's reversed the bad call. The technicality of when the buzz happened must be secondary to getting the right call.

[TexRef]

Interesting how all of Cleveland's fans kind of overlook that, huh? The refs "cost" them the game because they didn't allow a first down that never happened...

[Arkie2]

I thought the controversy was over reviewing the play after another play had taken place. Doesn't the team wanting a review have to call for it before the next play or forfeit the right? I also didn't think it was the officials call to review the play but the coaches?

[hole_n_one]

When the pager went off (just before the snap), the referee allowed the play to take place before confirming with the umpire and the replay assistant that he was paged for a review."

Did he swallow his whistle?

What a crock!

[Rockinfreakapotamus]

Threads on this already posted here with 263 comments and here with 160 comments.

GO BROWNS!!

[cactmh]

I was at a Jags vs. Bengals game and they did the same thing. (allowed a review after a play) BTW, I am glad the review is there. I've seen the ball get respotted 5ft forward because of a replay...

[cactmh]

A team cannot review during the last two minutes. The refs can though...

[Chi-townChief]

Sounds like a classic of the NFL covering for the ref's poor judgment.

[TexRef]

I thought the controversy was over reviewing the play after another play had taken place. Doesn't the team wanting a review have to call for it before the next play or forfeit the right? I also didn't think it was the officials call to review the play but the coaches?

Teams can challenge a play (before a subsequent play starts) except in the last two minutes of the game.

During those last two minutes, the replay officials (in the booth) can buzz the officiating crew on the field that they wish to review a play.

[stlrocket]

Did you check with HER First????????????

CLEVELAND BROWN MENSA MEMBER

[TexRef]

Yes, but this is a NEW article and not a rant against the officials... THIS article confirms that the officials made the right decision, regardless of how big a tamtrum Cleaveland fans throw.

[DenCos]

It's hard to believe the no huddle defense being used as a "Cr@p did he catch it or not" COVER UP almost worked.

Cleveland lost ... the ref may have been a little slow but Cleveland's attempt at covering up a bungled call was caught on video tape.

You lose.

[TexRef]

Sounds like a classic of the NFL covering for the ref's poor judgment.

But they got the play right, didn't they?

[Always Right]

"The Browns were in a no-huddle offense trying to get to the line of scrimmage to snap the ball and stop the clock. Things were moving very quickly. When the pager went off (just before the snap), the referee allowed the play to take place before confirming with the umpire and the replay assistant that he was paged for a review."

If the refs really got it right, they would have blown the play dead before the snap of the ball. By allowing the play to go on, they made a mistake.

[TexRef]

If the refs really got it right, they would have blown the play dead before the snap of the ball. By allowing the play to go on, they made a mistake.

Not according to the NFL or the Director of Officiating.

[Wrigley]

BS. Pure CYA mode.