As an NFL zebra fan (of sorts), here is the NFL Question of the Month: Which R is getting the axe? We all know that Johnny Grier had to (sadly) retire;and we also know that the league is promoting to R TWO people..so..who is getting demoted/'retired'?? Who is the Prime suspect/nominee? My nominee (and probably a lot of other peoples): Tom White. Need I say more??

Rumors say Tom White is moving to a different position, I believe rumor said linejudge.

I like Tom White but he always seems to find a way not to look so good even if they get it right!

Check out this blow by blow description of that Jet/Texan game:

http://refereestats.proboards22.com/...ead=1099875107


If it wasn't true,it could almost be funny. I bet they wern't laughing at NFL's Zebra Central though....

And certainly nothing against Tom White personally, but when you realize he was an R in the USFL(!!),it shows you how long he has been around.Demoting Rs to Line Judge seems to be the NFL's way of saying, "gee,youve worked REALLY hard for us for a long time,and we think you ..ahem...deserve...ahem.. a less demanding position." nudge,nudge...wink,wink...

You are referencing a "bashing board", to link us to a conversation where fans are blasting officials! You could find fans bashing each crew of NFL officials each and every week of the season. We are officials and shouldn't be jumping on the bandwagon of bashers! The problem with most fans and announcers of NFL games is they do not understand all the rules, and some of them are so unique to the NFL and seem strange so the fans and announcers do not understand them. There are many rules and guidelines of what can and can not be replayed. They often have to get together and discuss what another official called to make sure they get it right. The rare times they do make a mistake you here it from the NFL league of officials, and they will make it public when a major mistake is made. So other than that, get off their backs. They are the best in the world, and make fewer mistakes in a year then most of us probably make in a couple of games. Don't get sucked in to fanbashing! I am now off my soapbox.

Don't discount the possibility that whoever it is could have asked for a move. Less stress and fewer responsibilities. Perhaps some physical reasons.

I think the NFL now would ask someone to retire if their judgment was at issue.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MJT
[B]++applauding++ Yeaha MJT!

REPLY: I know for a fact that Tom White will be a referee for the 2005 season. And rumors that Gene Steratore will be promoted to the white hat are untrue. He will remain a FJ on Bill Carollo's crew. I believe that Green is the only new white hat.

I once heard someone recommend that all fans should be required to take a rule test to be admitted into a game. That idea was thrown out the window because there wouldn't be a single fan that could pass and the stadium would be empty.

I don't even know if I could pass an NFL rules test...

[/QUOTE]
I don't even know if I could pass an NFL rules test... [/B][/QUOTE]

How's the saying go? "You've forgotten more about the rules than what they will ever learn."