Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2003 20:33:45 -0500
Reply-To: Jim Gordon <[log in to unmask]>
>I am offended by the suggestion, even in jest, that: ... we all know the
>refs stole the game from Miami
for OSU. <G>
I would be pleased to compare the integrity of line judge Terry Porter
with that of any sports official anywhere. I've known him for over 40
years, and I've watched his career as an official for NFL professional
and college football for probably 20 years, and he's neither incompetent
nor a cheater. I'll pass on your apologies when you post them.
Regards,
Jim Gordon
===============
Jim,
That comment was directed to me, as the previous phrase (not included
in your post) clearly indicated; second, it was not directed at Terry
Porter, nor did it even identify him, as you did (rather, it wsa directed at
"the officials"); third, the poster included a "<G>" which to most of us
demonstrates this was intended as mere hyperbole, and not personal attack;
and finally, FWIW, I - the target (the OSU grad) - did not take this to be
an attack on the integrity of the officials in that game, but rather a
somewhat typical "americanism" oft-muttered about about "our" sports (e.g.,
the NYY fan's "glove" in the WS game).
As I noted in an earlier post, I read innumerable post-game posts, and
ran across several different writers' comments about Porter's views, all of
which stressed his professionalism in analyzing his decision-making process.
To the contrary, ironically, we are faced with a major, factual error
by referees, which did affect the outcome of a major game. The NFL just
announced its team of refs - all 8 of 'em - blew the last call in the
NYG-SF49rs game, and should have given NYG another opportunity to win the
game with a field goal damn near automatic for that kicker at that distance.
The NYG officials' response? "The refs did not cost us that game - we had
a 24 point lead,, and We - not the refs - gave it up."
It does seem to me that we need to distinguish between ref hyperbole,
and ref attacks; because, after all, the response can be another ref attack,
n'est-ce pas?
Just my 2 cents . . .
Michael Cotleur
home (301) 733-7024 work (202) 502-8519
"L'homme est ce qu'il fait." (Andre Malraux)
