[vincesanity82]

In a move that represents a significant break from past precedent, the NFL has fined several members of the Baltimore Ravens for comments critical of the officiating in Monday night's game against the Patriots.

Cornerback Samari Rolle, receiver Derrick Mason, and cornerback Chris McAlister were fined $15,000 each for publicly questioning the integrity of the officiating. (Linebacker Bart Scott also was fined $25,000 for verbally abusing the officials, and for throwing a penalty flag into the stands.)

Said McAlister after the game: "[The league] put the crown on them. They want them to win." Rolle called it a "travesty." Mason compared the situation to basketball -- "When NBA teams were playing [Michael] Jordan and [Scottie] Pippen and the bunch, it was hard to beat them because everyone was on their side. That's the way it is now. You've got Brady and the bunch, and it's hard to beat them."

The league disagrees with the assessment, obviously.

"Last Monday night's game was well officiated," NFL Executive V.P. of Football Operations Ray Anderson said (presumably with a straight face), "and it is the obligation of both players and coaches to maintain proper respect for game officials at all times."


I dont think this was fair, but whatever..

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[Lefty Noob]

Well, they did break the rules. But, will anything happen to the refs for their conduct?

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Well, they did break the rules. But, will anything happen to the refs for their conduct?

I know, I just think if the officials were disrespecting them they should get fined too, but it doesnt say anything about them getting fined or offering an apology..I understand you have to respect the officials, but I think that situation was its own unique case..

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

I know, I just think if the officials were disrespecting them they should get fined too, but it doesnt say anything about them getting fined or offering an apology..I understand you have to respect the officials, but I think that situation was its own unique case..

I would suspect that their beatings come in the form of what games they get to ref.

[Bette]

I understand if the players were abusive to the refs on the field. But off, they cant criticize them??
NFL isnt saying much about what the refs did, are they??

[Seahawker 562]

thats bs, you shouldnt get fined for freedom of speech, they felt they got cheated and then they get fined....

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Seahawker 562

thats bs, you shouldnt get fined for freedom of speech, they felt they got cheated and then they get fined....

Name me a sport that allows you to rip their refs? There isn't one.

Let's not confuse this as a freedom of speech issue. It's not. Employers are allowed to make rules like this. It's just the government that isn't allowed to.

[Seahawker 562]

I think you should be allowed to if you think you got cheated

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Seahawker 562

I think you should be allowed to if you think you got cheated

Maybe, but I'm sure these guys think they get cheated a lot, and the refs are supposed to be the law on the field. I can see the NFL (and other sports leagues) going out of their way to protect them and their images.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Maybe, but I'm sure these guys think they get cheated a lot, and the refs are supposed to be the law on the field. I can see the NFL (and other sports leagues) going out of their way to protect them and their images.

If the refs aree suppost to be law on the field, than what do you consider the instant replay? IYO

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Quality88

If the refs aree suppost to be law on the field, than what do you consider the instant replay? IYO

Big Brother? Nah, technically it's just supposed to be considered part of the officiating crew.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Big Brother? Nah, technically it's just supposed to be considered part of the officiating crew.

More like the bastard of the group that points out mistakes and make the rest look bad

[Bette]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

In a move that represents a significant break from past precedent, the NFL has fined several members of the Baltimore Ravens for comments critical of the officiating in Monday night's game against the Patriots.

This tells me that this isnt how they usually handle these situations. Players have made criticisms of refs in the past. They cant harrass them on the field, but they should be able to say they felt they were cheated. When is Roger Goodell going to figure out that he is taking the heart out of football. Players get treated like 5 year olds. "Samari, go sit in the corner for a time-out"
We couldnt hear what was said on the field, so we dont know if what the players were saying is true or not. Kind of funny that they are all saying the same thing though.
I dont like this at all.

Originally Posted by Quality88

More like the bastard of the group that points out mistakes and make the rest look bad

Having said the above, I have to say think sometimes people are a little hard on the refs. They are human and prone to the same errors we are. Sometimes they get it right, but sometimes they dont. Most of the time they do a good job.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Bette

I have to say think sometimes people are a little hard on the refs. They are human and prone to the same errors we are. Sometimes they get it right, but sometimes they dont. Most of the time they do a good job.

On a serious note (for a change) I agree that they are human and are very capable of making errors. When you consider that in any given sport there are generally 2 plus players per ref. How can they see everything with 100% accuracy ?? Just isn't going to happen. In some sports the instant replay is in place to review debated situations. While I ifnd it time consuming there are times when a play is corrected due to a missed call.

My biggest question over these fines would be, exactly what was said that created this problem? I would guess it was more than "I think we were cheated on that call".

[Bette]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

My biggest question over these fines would be, exactly what was said that created this problem? I would guess it was more than "I think we were cheated on that call".

Dang LSC, it must be the Christmas spirit at work or something. I am in total agreement on this.

(I'm kind of worried about us agreeing on anything. What's wrong with me? Help! Someone)