Our playoff predictions: Corrente, Hussey, and Torbert top our rankings

Embed from Getty Images Football Zebras commentary Editor’s note: The Wild Card assignments were released sooner than expected, but our predictions below were set before we received the assignment list. Our annual tradition is to predict which referees are assigned to the postseason and the Pro Bowl. As we find every year, there

Coaches’ behavior in the NCAA is becoming unacceptable. Again.

Commentary by Mark Schultz The NCAA coach–official relationship reached a critical stage in 2016 as many college coaches regularly stomped onto the field, wildly gestured, cussed, threw things and physically intimidated the officials. The officials were taught to kill the coaches with kindness, but many coaches plowed ahead and tried to bend

On cancelling sports

Sports is often said to be the escape from the reality of the world. There are no sports for now. There is no escape. All we have is the reality of the world. We so revere sports in our culture, we build these monumental cathedrals to hold their contests. Many times

What’s to come in the 2020 offseason?

Embed from Getty Images The confetti is cleared. The countdowns have reset. Tampa is already beginning their preparation to host Super Bowl LV. This means that the NFL offseason has begun, and there are several items on the agenda for the officiating department, both in terms of rules and personnel. The

7 officiating observations for the 2019 season

Happy New Year! The 2019 regular season is over and before we enter into the playoffs, here are seven officiating observations that stood out for me this year. 1. Pass interference replay challenges are not a silver bullet After a much publicized pass interference miss in last year's NFC Championship game, the

Get instant replay out of making judgement calls

Commentary by Mark Schultz #NFL100 was supposed to be a year-long celebration of pro football. But sadly, the year has featured frustration from media and former officials confused about what is and what isn't pass interference. Former vice president of officiating and current Fox Sports officiating analyst, Mike Pereira has just about

5 observations from Super Bowl LIII

The Super Bowl is over, and thankfully we aren't breaking down any officiating controversies today. But there are some interesting officiating nuggets to note. 1. No replays Replay official Jim Lapetina was busy yesterday, but he never had to buzz in with a booth challenge. There were a few plays where I was

4 officiating things I’m looking for during Super Bowl LIII

It's here. Six months of football culminate in Super Bowl LIII.  While the Rams and Patriots do battle on the gridiron, my eyes will be focusing on the Super Bowl LIII officiating crew. Here's what I'm looking for as I zebra watch. 1. The coin toss The Super Bowl coin toss is the