AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 20
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Nothing’s official except officials calls
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So I’m sitting here mulling over the stupidity of a comment on yesterday’s blog that presupposes that the AJC is aware of some report that Chan Gailey/Tech filed with the ACC over officiating in last Saturday’s BC game, but we’re covering it up.
First, we’re not aware of anything unusual.
Second, my understanding — and I’ll seek to verify this later today — is that every team files a report for lack of another word right now after every game with regard to officiating. I believe that happens at the NFL level as well.
Whether Tech, or any school, has any real recourse depends on two things: your definition of recourse, and the call(s) in question.
As for recourse, I can’t think of a call ever being reversed, or a game resumed from a certain point where a call was blown. Ever.
Might officials be reprimanded? Yes. That happens from time to time. The officials who blew that onsides kick last year in the Oklahoma game (was it Washington they played? Cal? Definitely a PAC 10 team) were disciplined. If memory serves, they had to sit out a game or something to that effect. There are other examples every year.
Blowing judgment calls (pass interference, holding, etc.) is never going to get anybody reprimanded. But mis-interpreting or mis-applying rules can get you in trouble.
I’ll ask coach Gailey about it after practice today. I don’t know how candid he’ll be, as coaches are always leery of drawing fines for criticizing officials, but we’ll see.
Enough already about the BC game.
While I’ve got your attention, if I’ve got your attention, what’s your policy on panhandlers? A few hours ago a guy approached me when I was out running errands. He was pitiful looking, as usual, and very polite. Humble and shamed. I’m better than 50-50 to help in situations like that. If a guy, or gal, starts rambling 100 mph about some medical story, or getting thrown in jail on a bogus charge, or in any way generally ramming a story down my throat, forget it. If somebody just rams a cup or hat in my face, and then starts grumbling, forget it.
Another point on yesterday’s blog, JustMe, if you think Virginia DE Chris Long alone makes this game a big physical issue for Tech, you’re nuts, and you’re missing my point. My point is that Tech has the physical talent to beat Virginia, period. Do they have the mental stock to overcome a hostile environment, the horrible history the Jackets have in Charlottesville, the humility of — and/or possible drop in confidence caused by -the BC loss?
I think those questions are more important than whether they have answers when it comes to manpower and talent for Long, or the Cavaliers in general.
Today’s notebook, which will include further mention of Big Boi performing at halftime of the Virginia Tech game (that’s already on our web site — should be interesting. Check it out later.
Matt
