No, the replacement refs aren't any good. We can all agree on that.
But for coaches, the old rules still apply: No matter how bad the refs perform, and no matter how frustrated you get, you just can't put your hands on an official.
That's a lesson the NFL sent once again on Wednesday, as it announced that it would fine Patriots coach Bill Belichick $50,000 for his actions at the end of his team's 31-30 loss to the Ravens on Sunday night. Upset with the officiating in a game that concluded with a controversial game-winning field goal from the Ravens, Belichick grabbed replacement ref and line judge Esteban Garza by the arm as the two were running off the field.
The coach says he was hoping to get an answer as to whether the field goal would be reviewed. Several commentators have contended over the past few days that it was incorrectly called "good."
Belichick's actions--which even he called "inappropriate"--came just days after the league warned coaches to be respectful in their interactions with the replacement officials, who have struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. The replacements are working the games as the league continues to battle with its regular officials, who were locked out in a labor dispute several months ago.
In a very brief and Belichick-ian statement released by the Patriots on Wednesday, the coach said the following: "It was inappropriate for me to contact the official. I take responsibility for what happened. I accept the discipline and I apologize for the incident Sunday night in Baltimore."
Photo: Getty Images
No comments:
Post a Comment