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

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

Former graders: Split decision on Cruz catch

Football Zebras Roundtable We covered at length the differences between two process-of-the-catch calls from Sunday's games. Lions receiver Calvin Johnson had a touchdown taken away because he bobbled the ball as he went to the ground. Giants receiver Victor Cruz also had lost possession when he dove for the end zone,

Preseason games not mundane for officials

Crews need the preseason prep Dolphins coach Joe Philbin has a discussion with Tom Hill, John Parry (132), and Scott Edwards during the 2013 Hall of Fame Game. Even the most rabid fan of the NFL will admit that watching a preseason game from start to finish is a chore.  The first string

NFL ready to break the ‘grass ceiling’ again

Much like any potential official recruit, Sarah Thomas has been on the NFL's watchlist for several years. She is one step closer to becoming the league's first permanent female official, having worn an NFL uniform in a Colts practice. Thomas is part of an apprenticeship program that was formed under the