Instant replay's failings
For the record, I support the use of instant replay in both the NFL and in college football. But, if it's not going to be applied fairly or judiciously, then what's the point?
Sunday's example comes to you from Tampa Bay: There was about one way, and one way only, Mike Alstott got the ball in the end zone on the Bucs' game-winning two-point conversion: In his helmet. That's all that crossed the goal line.
Of course, replays showed the ball was actually tucked in his right elbow, which was clearly down outside the goal line. But, hey, who wants to face Chucky when he's mad, or 40,000 drunk Floridians? So the officials (in the booth, if not on the field) demonstrated gutlessness and let stand a call that seemed reasonable when made.
These are the kinds of tough calls that I'm seeing time and again officials not willing to make late in games in packed stadiums where the home crowd stands to lose if the call's reversed.
Did I say "gutless"? OK, upon further review, the word stands.
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