OT: Contacting an official

[representing]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

It's OT, because it's football. I'm watching the Broncos go through part of the process of pissing their playoff hopes away (won't be complete until next week), and Brandon Stokely just took exception to a no-call on what he thought was pass interference. He ran about 40 yards to confront the Back Judge.

As he walked away in disgust, he threw his arms, contacting the official's outstretched hand.

Bye-bye

did he get ejected? I didn't catch that because I'm flipping through channels. Eagles fan here, but this game is a definite win and my interest isn't high enough to keep it on.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by representing

did he get ejected? I didn't catch that because I'm flipping through channels. Eagles fan here, but this game is a definite win and my interest isn't high enough to keep it on.

Yep. He got tossed. Stupid move for a veteran player.

[representing]

My brother just told me he saw it happen in the other room. He said it didn't look like it was intentional and that it probably shouldn't have been an ejection.

I don't know though, I didn't see it but will probably see it on ESPN or Comcast SN tomorrow morning

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by representing

My brother just told me he saw it happen in the other room. He said it didn't look like it was intentional and that it probably shouldn't have been an ejection.

I don't know though, I didn't see it but will probably see it on ESPN or Comcast SN tomorrow morning

Stokely INTENTIONALLY swung in the direction of the official.

Just like I tell my kids, don't throw rocks in the neighborhood and then say it's an accident when you break a window.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by representing

My brother just told me he saw it happen in the other room. He said it didn't look like it was intentional and that it probably shouldn't have been an ejection.

I don't know though, I didn't see it but will probably see it on ESPN or Comcast SN tomorrow morning

Whether he hit him intentionally doesn't matter. Did he aim for him? No. Did he swing purposefully in the direction of the official's hand? Definitely. He did it in anger, and I'm pretty sure it was preceded by some choice words. My understanding is that contacting an official is a judgment-free call.

[Berkut]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Whether he hit him intentionally doesn't matter. Did he aim for him? No. Did he swing purposefully in the direction of the official's hand? Definitely. He did it in anger, and I'm pretty sure it was preceded by some choice words. My understanding is that contacting an official is a judgment-free call.

Kind of has to be, doesn't it? Last thing we need is any kind of debate about whether someone "accidentally" hit an official - that just raises the possibility of getting away with taking a shot if you can pretend it was an "accident".

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Berkut

Kind of has to be, doesn't it? Last thing we need is any kind of debate about whether someone "accidentally" hit an official - that just raises the possibility of getting away with taking a shot if you can pretend it was an "accident".

That's exactly right. I can't wait to hear the local sports radio guys complain about it tomorrow on my way home from work, though.

[bradfordwilkins]

Video of Brandon Stokley Ref Contact and Ejection

Not sure honestly -- I don't know what he said and that alone could've been grounds for dismissal... but the contacting the official here seems a little finger to finger to me... I really don't know.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

That's exactly right. I can't wait to hear the local sports radio guys complain about it tomorrow on my way home from work, though.

I predict that the league will use the expression "zero tolerance."

[representing]

Originally Posted by Berkut

Kind of has to be, doesn't it? Last thing we need is any kind of debate about whether someone "accidentally" hit an official - that just raises the possibility of getting away with taking a shot if you can pretend it was an "accident".

After watching the video, I'd have to agree. Although not intentionally hitting the official, any contact against an official in any sport (except coaches in baseball apparently) should be zero tolerance. I'm sure some words he said could have influenced the ejection as well.

And before anyone says anything, I know some of you may reference back to my post last week about a player making contact with me and I didn't eject him. That was my fault and I don't need a reminder.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by representing

After watching the video, I'd have to agree. Although not intentionally hitting the official, any contact against an official in any sport (except coaches in baseball apparently) should be zero tolerance. I'm sure some words he said could have influenced the ejection as well.

And before anyone says anything, I know some of you may reference back to my post last week about a player making contact with me and I didn't eject him. That was my fault and I don't need a reminder.

I will say there's a difference between contacting an official to show him what you think happened (a T, and perhaps a flagrant) and the OP, which was hitting an official in anger/frustration.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by representing

Although not intentionally hitting the official, any contact against an official in any sport (except coaches in baseball apparently) should be zero tolerance.

Disagree. Football umpires get knocked down all the time.

A helpful distinction (though not exhaustive) would be live-ball vs. dead-ball contact.

[Upward ref]

Originally Posted by representing

After watching the video, I'd have to agree. Although not intentionally hitting the official, any contact against an official in any sport (except coaches in baseball apparently) should be zero tolerance. I'm sure some words he said could have influenced the ejection as well.

And before anyone says anything, I know some of you may reference back to my post last week about a player making contact with me and I didn't eject him. That was my fault and I don't need a reminder.

pretty clear intentional for me . The 30 yard rush with a full head of steam was already as unsportsmanlike as you can get IMO,then turn and slap the hand .i was mad just seeing it. i'm impressed with the calm , professional response and reporting as well , god call, good ref