While the 2012 NFL Season has been a fun one to watch so far, the side story of the lockout of the referees and using replacement refs has taken suddenly taken center stage due to a bad TD call at the end of the Packers-Seahawks game on Monday night. News outlets everywhere had it as lead stories grateful to be talking about something else other than the election (#isitover). Two days after the call and then denial by the NFL, the lockout ends after roughly 3 months.
The NFL and the NFLRA spent two days talking over the details and finally got a deal done. Just as the bell tolled midnight, the announcement was made that a tentative agreement was reached between the two parties. The new deal is a 8 year labor agreement includes a salary increase from an average of $149,000 a year in 2011 to $173,000 in 2013, rising to $205,000 by 2019. As for the pension plan, it seems to a compromise as the current defined benefit pension plan will remain in place for
current officials through the 2016 season or until the official earns 20
years of service. The defined benefit plan will then be frozen. Then by 2017, new refs hired by the league will have a contribution program setup by the league. (very technical, click here for full scoop at ESPN)
There also seems to be some new hiring agreements like hiring some refs for full time year round service and also retaining some for development and to oversee games. The point is that an agreement was made.
Thank goodness. Now the replacements can go and we can yell and hate the regular referees again.
I will say that I am glad that the regulars are back because while they will make mistakes like the replacements do from time to time, they at least know how to keep teams from ripping each other apart like on Sunday night. These guys know how to manage the game and keep the pace moving which is something that the replacements lack.
Them coming back also bring a sense of legitimacy back to the league. While no human is perfect, the regular refs officiating is best for the integrity of the sport as it's saying that the best are there overlooking things for the league. The use of replacement officials didn't have the same PR message, especially after Monday night.
The regular refs make their return tonight at the Browns-Ravens game. It seems awfully quick to bring them back as they might be rusty but it's better than the replacements at any given time.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Knock Him Out, Get Some Ice Cream Money
And they say the players in youth football don't get paid.
Pop Warner football in Southern California is now under some scrutiny after one team is caught copying what the Saints were allegedly doing. The Orange County Register reported that the Tustin Red Cobras had a bounty like program for knocking certain opponents' players out of the game. This program was seemingly instituted by the coaches. Cobras assistant coach John Zanelli confirmed this bounty program along with 3 different players. The overseeing body for the area called the Orange Empire Conference has actually decided to not hand out any sanctions related to the scandal.
Man, and I only thought kids were getting drug habits from the pros.
If the allegations are correct, this situation sounds worse than the Saints Bounty Scandal. We are not talking about professionals anymore in this story. We are talking about 10 and 11 year old kids as part of a bounty system led by the coaches of that team. This along with the fact that no sanctions are handed down sets a bad example not just for these kids but to every youth player in the country. It says that this system is okay now and in locker rooms in the future.
Pop Warner football in Southern California is now under some scrutiny after one team is caught copying what the Saints were allegedly doing. The Orange County Register reported that the Tustin Red Cobras had a bounty like program for knocking certain opponents' players out of the game. This program was seemingly instituted by the coaches. Cobras assistant coach John Zanelli confirmed this bounty program along with 3 different players. The overseeing body for the area called the Orange Empire Conference has actually decided to not hand out any sanctions related to the scandal.
Man, and I only thought kids were getting drug habits from the pros.
If the allegations are correct, this situation sounds worse than the Saints Bounty Scandal. We are not talking about professionals anymore in this story. We are talking about 10 and 11 year old kids as part of a bounty system led by the coaches of that team. This along with the fact that no sanctions are handed down sets a bad example not just for these kids but to every youth player in the country. It says that this system is okay now and in locker rooms in the future.
BRING THE REGULAR REFS BACK NOW!!!
The worst case scenario when the NFL decided to lockout the referees (because their dicks) was that an error made by the replacement refs would ultimately decide the fate of a game. That scenario came to life earlier tonight.
The Packers and the Seahawks played in CenturyLink Field in Seattle for some Monday Night Football action and there wa... FINE!!! Let's cut to the chase and just say that the game came down to a 4th and basically-have-to-win-it for the Seahawks at the GB 24 with 8 seconds left and the Packers leading by 5. After scrambling for a few seconds, Seahawks Rookie QB Russell Wilson throws a pass in the endzone with a bunch of players from both teams awaiting the ball to arrive. M.D. Jennings of the Packers appeared to come down with the ball with Seahawk Receiver Golden Tate's hands on it as well trying to wrestle it away. Anybody who has seen the instant replay of the throw can tell that Jennings had possession of the ball first with it against his chest with Tate still trying to wrestle it away.
Then the mistakes come. The refs don't know what to call and initially stand there paralyzed as to what just happened. Then one of them rules TD a split second before another makes a motion indicating that the ball has changed hands on an interception. The official call is a TD and the Seattle crowd goes nuts. The refs are asked to go to instant replay and they look at it and confirm the call afterwards. The Seahawks then eventually make the extra point with some of the disgusted Packers coming back onto the field from the dressing room. The Seahawks wi... NO... the refs GIVE the game to the Seahawks 14-12.
Right now the league is in trouble. Everyone in the league and the media was afraid that this kind of scenario would happen and it has. It was a gamble by the league in the first place to lockout the refs and bring in these replacements. The league apparently doesn't know what happens when you gamble and they now lost.
The league will now hear from everyone who has a voice (even priests who have taken a vow of silence) yell at the top of their lungs that the regular refs have to come back and that the league has to budge considerably on their demands. As for me, the league has to bring the regular officials back ASAP. The integrity of any sport cannot be in jeopardy at any time. This incident automatically calls the league's integrity into question rather than simple speculation when the lockout began. The league's image is now being affected negatively.
The lockout of the officials is now in the forefront of every fan's mind thinking what will the officials screw up in their games this week. Surely the regular officials do make mistakes but not like this one.
P.S. Also, Golden Tate should've been called for Offensive Pass Interference on the play. Two reasons the Packers should've won.
The Packers and the Seahawks played in CenturyLink Field in Seattle for some Monday Night Football action and there wa... FINE!!! Let's cut to the chase and just say that the game came down to a 4th and basically-have-to-win-it for the Seahawks at the GB 24 with 8 seconds left and the Packers leading by 5. After scrambling for a few seconds, Seahawks Rookie QB Russell Wilson throws a pass in the endzone with a bunch of players from both teams awaiting the ball to arrive. M.D. Jennings of the Packers appeared to come down with the ball with Seahawk Receiver Golden Tate's hands on it as well trying to wrestle it away. Anybody who has seen the instant replay of the throw can tell that Jennings had possession of the ball first with it against his chest with Tate still trying to wrestle it away.
Then the mistakes come. The refs don't know what to call and initially stand there paralyzed as to what just happened. Then one of them rules TD a split second before another makes a motion indicating that the ball has changed hands on an interception. The official call is a TD and the Seattle crowd goes nuts. The refs are asked to go to instant replay and they look at it and confirm the call afterwards. The Seahawks then eventually make the extra point with some of the disgusted Packers coming back onto the field from the dressing room. The Seahawks wi... NO... the refs GIVE the game to the Seahawks 14-12.
Right now the league is in trouble. Everyone in the league and the media was afraid that this kind of scenario would happen and it has. It was a gamble by the league in the first place to lockout the refs and bring in these replacements. The league apparently doesn't know what happens when you gamble and they now lost.
The league will now hear from everyone who has a voice (even priests who have taken a vow of silence) yell at the top of their lungs that the regular refs have to come back and that the league has to budge considerably on their demands. As for me, the league has to bring the regular officials back ASAP. The integrity of any sport cannot be in jeopardy at any time. This incident automatically calls the league's integrity into question rather than simple speculation when the lockout began. The league's image is now being affected negatively.
The lockout of the officials is now in the forefront of every fan's mind thinking what will the officials screw up in their games this week. Surely the regular officials do make mistakes but not like this one.
P.S. Also, Golden Tate should've been called for Offensive Pass Interference on the play. Two reasons the Packers should've won.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Emotional Win for Torrey Smith and the Ravens
The Sunday Night Game between the Patriots and the Ravens was intense and not just because of the players arguing half the time on the field while the refs did nothing.
Torrey Smith, a WR for the Ravens, lost his 19 year old brother Tevin Jones who died in a motorcycle accident not 24 hours before kickoff. Torrey Smith made the decision to play the game at around 4 PM despite what had happened. A moment of silence was observed for Smith's brother before the game started.
Torrey Smith and the Ravens then went out and played a rough and tough football game against the Pats. New England would take an early lead but the Ravens fought back and by the third quarter, it had become a back and forth game. Torrey Smith rose above it all to play a career game catching 6 balls for 127 yards and 2 TDs. He played sensationally for his teammates and his brother.
The Ravens would then drive down field one last time and set themselves up for a 27 yard FG to win it as time expired. The FG by Justin Tucker was ruled good despite it going directly over the right crossbar. Bill Belichick would protest but the refs wouldn't listen. Ravens win an emotional game 31-30.
The game was exciting to watch whether you were a Ravens fan or not. Though Smith was the story to talk about, the replacement refs had there share of the news. Bad calls plagued the entire game with it mostly being missed calls in the passing defense. At one point, the crowd started to chant BS over national TV. Not like Roger Goodell cares at all.
Despite the bad calls that agitated the fans, Torrey Smith and the Ravens rose through it all. It is at these times that the word "team" means so much more.
Our thoughts and prayers to Torrey and his family.
Torrey Smith, a WR for the Ravens, lost his 19 year old brother Tevin Jones who died in a motorcycle accident not 24 hours before kickoff. Torrey Smith made the decision to play the game at around 4 PM despite what had happened. A moment of silence was observed for Smith's brother before the game started.
Torrey Smith and the Ravens then went out and played a rough and tough football game against the Pats. New England would take an early lead but the Ravens fought back and by the third quarter, it had become a back and forth game. Torrey Smith rose above it all to play a career game catching 6 balls for 127 yards and 2 TDs. He played sensationally for his teammates and his brother.
The Ravens would then drive down field one last time and set themselves up for a 27 yard FG to win it as time expired. The FG by Justin Tucker was ruled good despite it going directly over the right crossbar. Bill Belichick would protest but the refs wouldn't listen. Ravens win an emotional game 31-30.
The game was exciting to watch whether you were a Ravens fan or not. Though Smith was the story to talk about, the replacement refs had there share of the news. Bad calls plagued the entire game with it mostly being missed calls in the passing defense. At one point, the crowd started to chant BS over national TV. Not like Roger Goodell cares at all.
Despite the bad calls that agitated the fans, Torrey Smith and the Ravens rose through it all. It is at these times that the word "team" means so much more.
Our thoughts and prayers to Torrey and his family.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
GIANTS BEAT PADRES AND WIN NL WEST!!!
Clinching a playoff spot is always good news. Getting a division title is better news.
The Giants faced the Padres last night in game 2 of their series at AT&T park. After the Dodgers lost to the Reds earlier that day 6-0, the fans and the players knew that winning this game would mean the NL West would be theirs.
Though the top of the first started off a bit poorly with a run for Padres, the Giants struck back in the bottom of the inning with a couple of sac flies to get the lead 2-1. From there on out, the Giants would not lose control of the game. The Giants did everything to make sure that they sent their fans home especially happy from Marco Scutaro's RBI hits to Pablo Sandoval's amazing catch over the railing. Even Madison Bumgarner, the pitcher, help build the lead with an RBI single in the 2nd inning. The Padres tried to fight back with some runs but the Giants just kept them at bay seemingly answering back to maintain the lead. Giants win their 6th in a row 8-4 and become NL West Division Champs.
What an amazing run for the Giants these last couple of months to get here. The assumption was that the Dodgers new additions in August were going to propel them past into first place. Despite that and SF losing Melky Cabrera to a 50 game PED suspension, the Giants got hot while the Dodgers went cold. A weird turn of events that gives the Giants the NL West and leaves the Dodgers gasping for air 3 games behind for the 2nd NL Wild Card spot.
Congrats Giants. Let's keep this going into October.
P.S. Saw the whole game inside the ballpark and it was amazing. The crowd was electric, the Giants were rocking it, and everybody danced to "Gangnam Style." Dave Flemming is now my favorite broadcaster FYI.
The Giants faced the Padres last night in game 2 of their series at AT&T park. After the Dodgers lost to the Reds earlier that day 6-0, the fans and the players knew that winning this game would mean the NL West would be theirs.
Though the top of the first started off a bit poorly with a run for Padres, the Giants struck back in the bottom of the inning with a couple of sac flies to get the lead 2-1. From there on out, the Giants would not lose control of the game. The Giants did everything to make sure that they sent their fans home especially happy from Marco Scutaro's RBI hits to Pablo Sandoval's amazing catch over the railing. Even Madison Bumgarner, the pitcher, help build the lead with an RBI single in the 2nd inning. The Padres tried to fight back with some runs but the Giants just kept them at bay seemingly answering back to maintain the lead. Giants win their 6th in a row 8-4 and become NL West Division Champs.
What an amazing run for the Giants these last couple of months to get here. The assumption was that the Dodgers new additions in August were going to propel them past into first place. Despite that and SF losing Melky Cabrera to a 50 game PED suspension, the Giants got hot while the Dodgers went cold. A weird turn of events that gives the Giants the NL West and leaves the Dodgers gasping for air 3 games behind for the 2nd NL Wild Card spot.
Congrats Giants. Let's keep this going into October.
P.S. Saw the whole game inside the ballpark and it was amazing. The crowd was electric, the Giants were rocking it, and everybody danced to "Gangnam Style." Dave Flemming is now my favorite broadcaster FYI.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES OF THE WORLD, UNITE!!!
Where was this before the Olympics?
Whenever I do see the Olympics, I always wonder how most of them make it to the games. Sure, some of them have endless Subway commercials but most have amazing stories of trial and tribulations to just get to the biggest stage of them all. Then they realize they can't make the World Cup and settle for the Olympics.
However, many of these athletes still struggle to make ends meet and often sacrifice much for Olympic glory. In order to possibly make the future easier, Track and Field athletes are unionizing from the US and abroad. Among their goals in their joining together are fighting a rule against promoting private sponsors, achieve collective bargaining and seek prize money in the Olympics. It's not just unknown athletes that no one has ever heard of. Athletes like Usain Bolt, (insert other track stars here) are joining the campaign.
I for one hope they do succeed but it sort of seems like a uphill battle. They will have to get compliance with Track and Field athletes from all over the world and, to garner more leverage, make sure some countries' Track and Field athletes are almost all unionized.
I dislike amateur sports for their exploitation of the athletes and hope this cause does accomplish some good for future Track and Field athletes.
Whenever I do see the Olympics, I always wonder how most of them make it to the games. Sure, some of them have endless Subway commercials but most have amazing stories of trial and tribulations to just get to the biggest stage of them all. Then they realize they can't make the World Cup and settle for the Olympics.
However, many of these athletes still struggle to make ends meet and often sacrifice much for Olympic glory. In order to possibly make the future easier, Track and Field athletes are unionizing from the US and abroad. Among their goals in their joining together are fighting a rule against promoting private sponsors, achieve collective bargaining and seek prize money in the Olympics. It's not just unknown athletes that no one has ever heard of. Athletes like Usain Bolt, (insert other track stars here) are joining the campaign.
I for one hope they do succeed but it sort of seems like a uphill battle. They will have to get compliance with Track and Field athletes from all over the world and, to garner more leverage, make sure some countries' Track and Field athletes are almost all unionized.
I dislike amateur sports for their exploitation of the athletes and hope this cause does accomplish some good for future Track and Field athletes.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Melky Cabrera DQ's Himself From Batting Title
Melky Cabrera's season with the Giants has had it's highs and an incredible low. That low was when he got suspended for 50 games for PED use.
Ever since then, the Giants have been on a roll creating a huge buffer between them and the Dodgers. Meanwhile, baseball has been faced with the possibility that Melky Cabrera could win the batting title with that .346 batting average. It would be a PR nightmare for baseball itself if a player proven to have used PED's that very season were to win a pretigiuous award for his efforts. Melky then stepped in and decided it was a problem for him as well.
Not wanting to win the award under this cloud, Melky asked baseball and the union to disquilify himself from winning the batting title. He was thus disquilified from winning the title in a one-season-only change in the rules. Melky said about the decision "To be plain, I personally have no wish to win an award that would widely be seen as tainted, and I believe that it would be far better for the remaining contenders to compete for that distinction."
A good gesture froom Melky Cabrera even if for his own PR benefit. I'm not sure what the future holds for Melky when it comes to the future but I'm sure he will land something good. Seeing how this has played out, MLB will likely try to add a rule saying that players can't win an award or title if they have been linked with PED use that season and suspended for it.
As for who will win the batting title, Andrew McCutchen leads the way now with a .339 avg. followed by Buster Posey with a .335 avg. Maybe a Giant will win this thing after all.
Ever since then, the Giants have been on a roll creating a huge buffer between them and the Dodgers. Meanwhile, baseball has been faced with the possibility that Melky Cabrera could win the batting title with that .346 batting average. It would be a PR nightmare for baseball itself if a player proven to have used PED's that very season were to win a pretigiuous award for his efforts. Melky then stepped in and decided it was a problem for him as well.
Not wanting to win the award under this cloud, Melky asked baseball and the union to disquilify himself from winning the batting title. He was thus disquilified from winning the title in a one-season-only change in the rules. Melky said about the decision "To be plain, I personally have no wish to win an award that would widely be seen as tainted, and I believe that it would be far better for the remaining contenders to compete for that distinction."
A good gesture froom Melky Cabrera even if for his own PR benefit. I'm not sure what the future holds for Melky when it comes to the future but I'm sure he will land something good. Seeing how this has played out, MLB will likely try to add a rule saying that players can't win an award or title if they have been linked with PED use that season and suspended for it.
As for who will win the batting title, Andrew McCutchen leads the way now with a .339 avg. followed by Buster Posey with a .335 avg. Maybe a Giant will win this thing after all.
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