Could this have been ab accident?

[Emperor Ump]

Wow! The way he lowered his shoulder and stayed square then moved in for the hit, I'd have to say it doesn't look too much like an accident.

I'm stunned.

[jwwashburn]

Ok, maybe it is the angle that we are seeing...maybe.

But it sure looks like he hit him on purpose. If that is me, I am doing everything I can to get out of the way!

If someone has some perspective on this...speak up. For now, this is one of the most incredible things I have ever seen involving an official.

This was an SEC game for crying out loud!

Joe in Missouri

[bobbybanaduck]

Sportscenter had a few minute long discussion on it this morning. They showed multiple angles and tried to explain what was going on. The umpire started where he always does, then, when the play developed and looked like it was going to the right, he moved off to the left to get out of the way. The QB then cut back to the left, heading right at the umpire in his new position. They showed it in real time and in slow mo...and it looked like when the cut back happened he tried quickly to bolt into a space between the approaching QB and the attacking defenders. That hole, however, quickly closed and he then braced for the impending impact. His football background apparently took over (he used to be a linebacker) and instead of bracing for the hit he actually delivered one of his own. They also had the post game interview with the LSU coach and he said it happens quite often...but usually ends up with the umpire on his behind, not the player. They all were having a pretty decent laugh about it.

[jwwashburn]

That sheds a good deal of light on it.

Obviously there could be crooked football officials working SEC games...but it would not be a good idea to tackle guys if you have money on the game

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by Emperor Ump

Wow! The way he lowered his shoulder and stayed square then moved in for the hit, I'd have to say it doesn't look too much like an accident.

I'm stunned.

SEC football officiating has some major issues, but do you really think that they go around knocking players to the ground?

This isn't a big deal.

[Emperor Ump]

I love my SEC football, check out Umpire-Empire and you'll see (Shameless plug) Just his movements in that video look intentional the way he is squaring up and hopping up the line. While it looks intentional especially with him lowering the shoulder. But I'd accept the fact that it wasn't after all the guy was a linebacker and that was a DB type hit.

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by Emperor Ump

While it looks intentional especially with him lowering the shoulder.

What did you expect him to do, just allow himself to get knocked over?