Official Injured in Motor City Bowl

[Johnny Cakes]

Back judge Terry Jones was injured in the Motor City Bowl tonight and an alternate official had to take his place. His condition was not updated, although it didn't appear that serious (hopefully).

Brings me to a question as a newbie who is potentially starting traning this Spring to become an official:

I work for myself to put food on the table for my family -- if I don't work, I don't get paid, simple as that. Don't have "sick leave." Man, even a sprained ankle would really mess up my ability to work.

After seeing Jones taken out of the game, I got to thinking about Charlie Weis and Joe Paterno, just were just standing on the sidelines when they got so whacked they can't walk now. So I got to thinking that maybe I'm being selfish and not thinking about my family with my plan to get involved with officiating.

Granted anyone can get run over by a bus or drunk driver tomorrow, but I don't want to take undue risks when I have kids to support. Is it often that officials get injured or a complete fluke? What's the "most dangerous" position or "safest" position on the crew?