Hightower

[jeffpea]

tomegun - I'm not sure how officials will take the "fall" more than in the past simply because we are in the "video age". Certainly there is more scrutiny than ever before because more people have the ability to see the games (more games are now being broadcast thru a variety of different sources).

It is incumbent on the supervisors of the various leagues to back up the game officials when needed (i.e. the pass interference in the end zone against Seattle is EXACTLY what the NFL wants called by its' officials) and admonish the officials when needed. I don't know that I agree with a public display of the punishment handed down to the officials (i.e. announcing game officials have been suspended one game), but a simple "the game officials incorrectly adminsitered the rule; measures have been taken so that this error does not occur in the future"

Hightower and the other "big time officials" ultimately get the calls and rules interps correct. I watch their positioning/angles during games - NOT their mechanics. BTW Scott Thornley is, IMO, the best at getting into the perfect position to see the play (you'll be amazed at how much he "moves to improve").