Gerry Austin still out at ‘MNF’; Jim Daopoulos to assist crew

ESPN rules analyst Gerry Austin has been notably absent from the Monday Night Football booth. Football Zebras has learned that Austin was, in fact, hospitalized with an undisclosed illness. During the 49ers-Rams telecast, announcers Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden sent their best wishes, and Tirico said that Austin is now

10 reasons why NHL replay system not coming to NFL stadium near you

Despite chatter, NFL replay will remain under the hood It has become a groundswell in the past season to have the NFL adopt a replay review system that is centralized in the league headquarters. The common contention is that the centralized replay, handled by an individual reviewer or small number of

Texans missed punt block could have been challenged by Colts?

Ultimately would be 4th down again, not automatic 1st down Week 9: Colts at Texans (video at :53) "The Texans looked to have got away with one," said NBC announcer Al Michaels, as the Texans snap the ball to eliminate the possibility of the previous play being challenged. On a 4th-and-9 punt, Colts

Seahawks catch curiously upheld

Week 9: Buccaneers at Seahawks A five-yard completion to Ricardo Lockette at the end of the third quarter was challenged by Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano for what appeared to be a fairly pedestrian overturn. On the play, it appeared that Lockette was able to complete to process of the catch aided

Safety calls, roughness on QB: Roundtable reviews Week 5 calls

Football Zebras Roundtable We had a few calls this week that were borderline judgement calls. How close were they? Former NFL officiating supervisors Jim Daopoulos and Larry Upson helped us unpack three controversial calls from Week 5. Both Larry and Jim did extensive game video while working in the league office.

Keeping cool when getting an earful

If you can keep your head when all about you   Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you ... If—, Rudyard Kipling Kipling was never a professional or amateur football official, but just about every sports official claims that famous poem as a motto.  Each