Football Zebras

Unprecedented punishments are appropriately harsh to Garrett, Pouncey, the Browns, and the Steelers

News

by Ben Austro - November 15, 2019November 21, 2019 1

Three players are suspended and both teams have been fined a half-million dollars in total after a freakishly violent end to the Thursday night game between the Steelers and Browns. The announcement came about 12 hours after the game went final, which is faster than any punishment in recent memory. Browns

A salute to the veterans in stripes

Profiles

by Ben Austro - November 11, 2019 0

We recognize with profound respect all those who have served our country on this day, and we salute the veterans on the NFL officiating staff. Click or tap an image above to open as slides. RO Tom Sifferman (Vietnam War, USA) RO 1st Lt. Carl Madsen (Vietnam War, USAF) Of note, field judge Mearl

NFL posts a new opening for VP of officiating training and development

News

by Ben Austro - October 24, 2019 0

The NFL is now accepting applicants for a new position to lead training and development initiatives for its current officials. The position was created as a result of a provision in the collective bargaining agreement signed last month with the officiating union, which reportedly was to be a vice-president level position.

Former Super Bowl referee reveals dysfunction in the current NFL officiating ranks

News

by Ben Austro - October 18, 2019October 19, 2019 2

Officiating has had its fair share of controversy this season for perceived inconsistency by the common fan and a noticeable increase in penalties. The officials on the field have taken much of the blame, some of it earned, but a sense of dysfunction in the system is beginning to permeate

NFL100: Officials with the longest NFL tenure (30+ seasons)

#NFL100

by Ben Austro - October 12, 2019 1

When referee Walt Coleman retired in 2018, he ended his career after 30 NFL seasons. He also joined a small list of officials who worked in the NFL for at least 30 years. It takes a lot of factors to reach the 30-year milestone. An early entry into the league helps

Ravens razzle on drop kick didn’t dazzle the league office

by Ben Austro - October 6, 2019 0

As the Ravens prepare for their Week 5 game against the Steelers, they have to modify their playbook for an onside kick that occurred in Week 3. Ravens kicker Justin Tucker was attempting an onside kick by a drop kick, which is legal to do on a kickoff. Tucker faked placing

Vontaze Burfict suspended for the rest of the 2019 season, the longest for an on-field infraction

News

by Ben Austro - September 30, 2019October 9, 2019 4

Vontaze Burfict was already in uncharted territory, and the Raiders linebacker (and team captain) has set a new disciplinary record as the NFL has suspended him for the remainder of the 2019 season. This amounts to 12 regular season games and is disqualified from the postseason, which is more than

NFL100: Why did officials use a pistol to signal the end of the quarter?

by Ben Austro - September 28, 2019September 28, 2019 0

It seems strange today, but NFL officials used to fire a starter's pistol to end each quarter. It's a mechanic that was first used in 1924 and lasted until the NFL discontinued the practice starting in 1994. In the 1920s, procedures were standardized that the referee was the only official that

Officials ratify a new collective bargaining agreement through the 2025 season

News

by Ben Austro - September 28, 2019 1

The NFL's officials have approved an 7-year collective bargaining agreement that ensures labor peace through the 2025 season. The NFL Referees Association held a meeting in Chicago starting on Friday after a tentative deal was reported last Saturday. In a joint statement with the league, NFLRA executive director Scott Green said,

New video shows Keanu Neal foul for throwing helmet after injury

Week 3

by Ben Austro - September 26, 2019September 26, 2019 3

There was a fair amount of criticism of the officiating crew that flagged an unsportsmanlike conduct foul on Keanu Neal as the Falcons safety was writhing on the turf in pain. There were varying accounts that Neal removed his helmet, but an injured player may remove his helmet legally. Reports

NFL100: A century of determining who gets the ball first

NFL100: 30 years ago instant replay helped decide the outcome of a game … and it wasn’t pretty

NFL100: When the referee had to rule on things other than football

NFL100: Officials used to use only one ball for a game

NFL100: For half of NFL history, the official time was not on the scoreboard

Author: Ben Austro