These replacement refs are a gong show

[WCH]

The big problem in all of this is that people are starting to seriously wonder if games are being rigged. I've read that somewhere between $250 Million and $1 Billion changed hands during last nights game alone, so a bought replacement ref could probably make some nice bank.

I absolutely, 100% do not think that games are being pushed one way or another, but the NFL sure as hell doesn't want people going on ESPN and seriously talking about that possibility.

[robert pancake gallery]

Originally Posted by WCH

The big problem in all of this is that people are starting to seriously wonder if games are being rigged. I've read that somewhere between $250 Million and $1 Billion changed hands during last nights game alone, so a bought replacement ref could probably make some nice bank.

I absolutely, 100% do not think that games are being pushed one way or another, but the NFL sure as hell doesn't want people going on ESPN and seriously talking about that possibility.

Seriously, how does he signal touchdown without consulting any of the other referees; can you really be that negligent to common sense? Not to mention the pass interference where Sidney Rice groped the **** out of the corner on 1st and 30 that was basically a get out of jail free card. It's easy to say that they are just grossly incompetent, but I personally don't care and this **** should be investigated (by whom? i don't care, i'm not trying to make some rational argument, i'm just bitching). It's not like it hasn't happened before in professional sports, and these refs are just stragglers who could presumably easily be coerced into making some quick cash given the fact that they don't have any job security currently.

Call it preposterous and confirmation biased, IDGAF. The alternative is to just pretend like that **** couldn't possibly happen in "real life". Sure that guy could be a ******* idiot in over his head that signaled a touchdown, but why would his first instinct be to immediately signal touchdown, not even taking into account the fact that the ball wasn't even in the player's possession that he signaled it for.

[The Alex]

Originally Posted by robert pancake gallery

Call it preposterous and confirmation biased, IDGAF because it is, but the bottom line is that uproar is a good thing.

Exactly Mr. Flapjack, you said it perfect.

[D-Unit]

Originally Posted by robert pancake gallery

Seriously, how does he signal touchdown without consulting any of the other referees; can you really be that negligent to common sense? Not to mention the pass interference where Sidney Rice groped the **** out of the corner on 1st and 30 that was basically a get out of jail free card. It's easy to say that they are just grossly incompetent, but I personally don't care and this **** should be investigated. It's not like it hasn't happened before in professional sports, and these refs are just stragglers who could presumably easily be coerced into making some quick cash given the fact that they don't have any job security currently.

Call it preposterous, IDGAF, I hope people make even more outrageous claims because it just adds to the negative image of the current regime.

The ref was probably told before the game that if SEA won he would receive a Mansion in the Hampton's and full protection for life. Easy choice.

[killxswitch]

[descendency]

Originally Posted by WCH

The big problem in all of this is that people are starting to seriously wonder if games are being rigged. I've read that somewhere between $250 Million and $1 Billion changed hands during last nights game alone, so a bought replacement ref could probably make some nice bank.

I absolutely, 100% do not think that games are being pushed one way or another, but the NFL sure as hell doesn't want people going on ESPN and seriously talking about that possibility.

These refs are too incompetent to push games either way.

edit: Apparently, they are easily influenced. A normal spread for a game is +3 to the home team if both teams are equal. So if the Packers were a 10 point favorite over the Saints on a neutral field, the spread would be Packers-7 in NO and Packers-13 in GB.

But apparently, a number of major books are now moving that 3 point home field advantage up because of how easily influenced the refs are by the crowds.

[WCH]

Wait, wat...I'm watching NBC Sports....did I just hear Florio say that several key officials have administrative positions with major NCAA conferences, they've told their refs "if you go to the NFL, don't think you can come back", and that's why we have Junior College and D-III refs?

[bucfan12]

Simultaneous catch. Good call.

[njx9]

Originally Posted by robert pancake gallery

Seriously, how does he signal touchdown without consulting any of the other referees; can you really be that negligent to common sense?

they both looked at each other and started to raise their arms. one thought they'd agreed on touchdown, the other thought they'd agreed on int. i'm not really sure why this keeps being brought up.

[Rosebud]

Originally Posted by njx9

they both looked at each other and started to raise their arms. one thought they'd agreed on touchdown, the other thought they'd agreed on int. i'm not really sure why this keeps being brought up.

Because malice is an easier explanation for people to accept than incompetence.

[WCH]

Originally Posted by njx9

they both looked at each other and started to raise their arms. one thought they'd agreed on touchdown, the other thought they'd agreed on int. i'm not really sure why this keeps being brought up.

That's how I read it, also. They made eye contact, probably heard each other say "touch[back/down]" and then raised their arms and made different signals.

[tjsunstein]

There's no accountability because they're replacements.

The ref that signaled TD was a HS/JUCO ref prior to this.

The ref that signaled touchback was a BIG 12 and AFL ref.

[Prowler]

large pic of aaron rodgers' press conference stare

[Giantsfan1080]

Originally Posted by tjsunstein

There's no accountability because they're replacements.

The ref that signaled TD was a HS/JUCO ref prior to this.

The ref that signaled touchback was a BIG 12 and AFL ref.

There is no accountability with the regular refs also. The NFL wants to have a taxi system in place for stuff like this but that's one of the reasons they won't accept a new deal. They don't want to be held accountable.

[The Alex]

More biblical beastery.

[SuperPacker]

I don't like him as much when he's trying to be funny.

[The Alex]

Originally Posted by SuperPacker

I don't like him as much when he's trying to be funny.

Yes, he's better when he's just straight angry. Funniest angry guy I've seen on YouTube.

[FUNBUNCHER]

Originally Posted by nrk

I don't see how its simultaneous possession. Jennings clearly had the ball first, Tate doesn't have control over the ball. The ball becomes pinned to Jenning's chest.

Exactly. THis isn't b-ball where another player can grab at the ball at almost anytime and it becomes a jump ball situation.

Jennings had BOTH hands on the football first, Tate stuck his arm in there on the way down. Two hands>>>one arm.

Game is still way too fast for these refs.
Also if a WR has a blatant pushoff on a DB in the endzone that puts the DB in his butt, you have to call that. It wasn't subtle at all. THE DB FELL DOWN.

The Commissioner is going to defend every controversial call by these refs because the credibility of the league is on the line. They can't admit the refs THEY hired to replace the regulars are too inexperienced to enforce the rules in an NFL game.

IMO the league is hoping these refs as a group are going to get better. So far I don't think that's happening and the players are exploiting their lack of experience.

More DBs/Olineman are holding than ever before, more WRs are hand fighting downfield on routes to counter the non calls against DBs.

If you thought the owners didn't respect the players and their grievances, how do you think they feel about the refs??
The owners aren't breaking on this one, because they don't have to.

[descendency]

So much this.