The Final Thought on the Replacement Referees
By Scott Allen
Sept 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) looks to side judge Lance Easley (26) for an explanation for a call for the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE
Welcome back regular referees! That being said, a quick few thoughts on the departing replacement referees as they are no more with tonight’s Baltimore Ravens–Cleveland Browns game. The Arizona Cardinals will see their first regular refs on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The replacements are thankfully gone but unfortunately not soon forgotten.
The Cards had the benefit of a few calls and had some go against them. Of course the Monday night call might give the Seattle Seahawks an unintended advantage. However, now we can move on after these final thoughts:
Side judge Lance Easley still thinks the call he made on Monday night was the correct one. Um..no it wasn’t, but thanks for playing. Yes, the play could not be overturned once it went to replay, however the interpretation of the rule is blatantly incorrect. Easley will never live this down as long as he lives. 250 million people know what the real call should have been – even non-football fans know the call was incorrect. Get off your high horse Easley.
Let’s not blame the replacement refs for the debacle though. Blame the NFL for inadequate training and not getting more experienced replacements. Oh and when the NFL says your call is wrong, agree with it and move on. It doesn’t change the call.
The regular refs deserve a standing ovation this weekend. Give it to them. Please.
When the Lingerie Football League doesn’t want you, that should speak volumes.
Welcome back regular refs! Don’t worry, we’ll be booing you by the fourth quarter on Sunday. Gotta have someone to boo, right?