Posted on 12/17/2001 4:42:15 PM PST by 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!
You are incorrect on both counts.
The refs blew the entire process by allowing the ball to be snapped, which it is stated very clearly that once a play has been run...
You very clearly did NOT read the article.
Quincy "should've" caught the ball. Then it wouldn't have even been reviewed. Of course, he didn't.
ANYONE can sit back and Monday-morning quarterback (or officiate) -- of course, it's entirely different to actually get out there and do it.
No -- the game is not over until the shot is either good or no good.
Prior to tonight's game ESPN ran the ten worst fan interventions impacting a sports event. Number one was Disco Night at Cosmisky (old) park. Hosted by none other than Gary and his old side-kick Steve something-or-other.
No kidding! The Patriot Act passes, totally screwing the Constitution, and no one seems to care. But if it looks like the officials reviewed a play too late!!!! WATCH OUT!!!
That's why I don't agree with the rule that the officials themselves decide what to review in the final two minutes. They screwed the Lions twice on Thanksgiving, first by NOT reviewing a play that should have been a touchdown and then reviewing and incorrectly reversing a play where the Lions completed a pass for a first down.
The coaches should be allowed to challenge a call at ANY time during the game as long as they have challenges to use and this should include the final two minutes.
Bottom line - the officials screwed up by not stopping the play before the snap. Once it is snapped, they should have no recourse, just as they always tell the coaches regarding inadvertant whistles. A dangerous precedent has now been set to review plays even after the next play was run.
As to whether I'd be a good ref, I defer to former Oiler coach Bum Phillips when asked once why he didn't become an official he said, "because I cain't. I'm overqualified. My mamma sent me to school."
Is that supposed to have some impact on whether or not the referee that supposedly got the page before the play shouldve stopped the play?
Hahaha...
This is what kills me about this whole ordeal. Yes, the fans acted up. But, hey, Cleveland is Cleveland like New York is New York and Philly is Philly. But why do we read so much bogus indignation about the fans (who pay to go to the games) but not a word about the stupid refs who needed better glasses?
Refs are human, granted. But mistakes give benefits and disadvantages to teams, like it or not. THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT SHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO THE TEAM THAT TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE RULES AND ACTED ACCORDINGLY! This is what the Browns did, only to have it taken away when they were not at fault.
Get that through your head! The refs screwed up! Blame THEM!
E. 105th & St. Clair (ya know!)
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