Bleacher Report - Articles by Michael Nevin

NFL Refs Need To Make The Right Calls (Or At Least The Same Ones)

Michael Nevin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:28:36 -0400

Being a referee in the NFL is a tough job. Everyone knows that. But refs are still highly criticized for any questionable calls they make. It has come to a point where referees over-analyze tough calls, and the rulebook over-complicates the game.

Before you start to think I am saying we need to give refs a break—know that I am not. I am questioning three separate calls from the first two weeks of the NFL season. The calls are separate, but their situations are very similar. Even though the plays are similar, refs have come to different conclusions as to what the right call should be.

I am, of course, talking about three touchdown (non) catches. The first is Louis Murphy's (Raiders) catch. The second is Jacoby Jones's (Texans-vs-Titans-highlights" target="_blank" title="Texans">Texans) catch. And the third is Dante Rosario's (Panthers-vs-Falcons-highlights" target="_blank" title="Panthers">Panthers) catch.

In Week One, the Raiders were playing the Chargers and the game was tied at seven. As the first half was winding down, Louis Murphy makes a leaping catch in the center of the end zone.

He secures the ball in his right hand. Both feet touch the ground, his thigh and butt touch the ground. Touchdown, right? But no.

The ball came loose after his butt hit the ground and the pass was ruled incomplete. This ended up losing Oakland four points—and could have changed the game.

I'm not about to say that it should have been ruled a touchdown. Here is what the rules say about a play like this:

Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 1:

"Player Going to the Ground. If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete."

So, technically, the call was right and it was not a TD. So you can't complain about that. However, the rule is quite stupid in my opinion.

Next, we have the catch by Jacoby Jones of the Texans in Week Two against the Titans. Jones snags the ball out of the air and is immediately thrown to the ground by the defender. He has possession, but loses the ball as he does a flip. The ball then touches the ground and he picks it back up. This play was ruled a TD.

Since he was coming to the ground as he caught it, the play should have been ruled incomplete. And seeing how the Texans escaped with a three-point OT win, this was a big mistake.

Last, we have the catch by Dante Rosario of the Panthers as they played the Falcons in Week Two. Rosario makes a catch as he is getting tackled. In an effort to score, he turns his body toward the end zone and reaches out. As he comes in contact with the ground, he loses the ball. He was going to the ground as he gained possession and the rule clearly states that possession must be retained after hitting the ground (either in the field of play or in the end zone).

I would rule all three of those catches any day. However, refs must make calls in accordance with the rules. And they all need to respond to similar situations in the same way. They can't make the call one week and go against it the next week (and certainly not twice in the same week).

I'll admit that I am a Raiders fan. But I'll also admit that the ref made the right call according to the rules. I may not agree with that particular rule, but the rule exists so it must be followed. And it can't just be followed part of the time.

Either the NFL owes the Raiders an apology, or they owe the Titans and Falcons an apology. Either the rule needs to be changed, or the refs need to start using it all the time.

And if you want to take a look at all three plays, check out this video.

The NBA Needs More Players Like Delonte West (Humor)

Michael Nevin — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:58:44 -0400

That's right, I said it. When you look at Delonte West, what immediately comes to mind?

Role Model, of course. I don't care who you are or what you do, but you have to admire a guy like West. If you haven't yet heard, Delonte was recently arrested for carrying 3 concealed weapons and speeding on his motorcycle.

This guy doesn't care what other people think. He just does what he wants to do. And that is what we should teach our kids. This guy is an individual. He didn't follow the trend of other professional athletes by getting a DUI or by beating up a girl half his size.

We can't let our children grow up thinking that individuality is a bad thing. They need to know that they can carry a loaded shotgun in a guitar case if they feel like it. They need to know that they can conceal 2 handguns in their pants if they feel like it (but only if the safety is on - right, Plaxico?).

As a child, my parents always taught me to follow the norm. Don't run with scissors. Don't swim right after eating. And don't stick a loaded weapon down your pants.

But look at me now. I can't cross the street without looking both ways. I don't talk with my mouth full. And I try my best not to litter.

I have been brainwashed. I am just like every other normal person. We have been fed this crap all our lives, but the rouges are the professional athletes. The rich and famous are the ones addicted to the drugs. Jail should be full of famous people, but they are so abnormal, so admirable, that we let them go with a slap of the wrist.

Tomorrow, instead of getting ahead at work, I am going to build a swimming pool in my dorm room. Then, I am going to steal some gasoline and go on a road trip while driving in reverse.

So be abnormal tomorrow. Be like Delonte. It is the only way to get ahead in life. It is the only way to get noticed.

The Real Reason Roy Williams Was Released by The Cowboys (Humor)

Michael Nevin — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:44:43 -0400

Jerry Jones announced the real reason for the release of safety Roy Williams in a press conference this morning. Apparently, it was too confusing having two Roy Williamses on the team. I can understand the frustration.

To be honest, I'm not even sure if I have the right Roy Williams in the picture above. After searching through pictures of North Carolina's basketball coach for 15 minutes, I just picked one using "eenie meenie minie mo".

Some of the Cowboys' players were confused when Dallas traded for Roy during the season.

"A few players asked about the trade," Wade Phillips said. "They were wondering why we were trading for Roy Williams when he was already on our team."

As the season wore on, constant confusion caused the Roy Williamses' tempers to flare. Teammates constantly switched their jerseys when they weren't looking. There was a constant fight over the domain name "www.roywilliams.com". One Roy Williams got the Texas license plate "RWILMS", the other had to settle for "RWILMZ".

"Fan mail was probably the worst," an unidentified Roy Williams told me. "I was constantly getting his and he was getting mine."

The other Williams disagreed.

"I hated it when someone would call my name. Roy and I would both turn to look. Our teammates thought it was funny to do this, but it was just annoying."

By the end of the season, enough was enough. Both of the Roys went to owner Jerry Jones to work out their problem. In the end, they decided it was best for one of them to leave.

Jones and Phillips were not sure which Roy Williams they released. It just so happened that they released Roy Williams, the safety.

Detroit Lions Use Imagination To Find Success (Humor)

Michael Nevin — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:18:37 -0500

You have probably heard the expression "desperate times call for desperate measures." Bad teams have routinely used this expression to justify questionable decisions. In an attempt to take this phrase a step further, the Detroit Lions have decided that desperate times call for imaginary measures.

Apparently, head coach Rod Marinelli introduced the idea of "imaginary wins" in order to boost the morale of a winless team.

"I have to admit that the idea isn't that great," he said. "I was actually just joking with some of the players, but they thought I was serious. After that, the whole idea took on a life of its own."

The players began to practice with imaginary footballs. All of a sudden, the offense and defense looked magnificent during practice. On every play, the offense scored a touchdown. Every play, the defense had a fumble or interception returned for a touchdown. Of course, it may sound impossible for the offense and defense to score at the same time. Just don't tell that to the players.

Next came imaginary paychecks, uniforms, and padding. They even had imaginary food, but coach Marinelli had to end that because "some pansies were complaining about malnutrition."

Calvin Johnson, the star receiver, even has an imaginary girlfriend. Things got a little out of hand when players started signing autographs with imaginary pens. However, no other complaints have been filed. Everyone in Detroit appears to be happy at the moment, even if they are out of touch with reality. Team owner, William Ford, is even happy with the new philosophy.

"You better not write an article on this," Ford told me, "because it is going to make us look more senile than Al Davis. Oh, nevermind. I don't care what you write. Do you realize that I don't have to pay for equipment or even pay the players? That should leave me with enough money to buy us two games on Thanksgiving."

Whether the Lions are 0-13 or 163-0 (as one player informed me), they are having fun with the game. I was able to witness their fun as I watched them throw the (imaginary) football around at practice. There is nothing quite like watching a football team practice without a football.

Of course, it has yet to be seen if "real" success can blossom from this idea. I wonder what Detroit's players will do when their opponents use a real football against them. What will happen when players try to pay taxes with an imaginary paycheck?

Roger Goodell wants to fine the Lions for reckless use of imagination. However, he can't figure out if a real fine or an imaginary one would be more effective. Only time will tell if this fledgling philosophy can survive in the NFL.

JaMarcus Russell Impales Teammate with Football (Humor)

Michael Nevin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:18:27 -0500

In what can only be described as a freak accident, an unidentified Raiders player has been sent to the hospital today. JaMarcus Russell, the team's strong-armed quarterback, accidentally impaled someone in a fit of frustration.

"Coach Cable and I were having an argument," said Russell. "He was trying to tell me that Batman isn't a real superhero because he doesn't have any real powers. Can you believe him?"

The argument reached its climax when Russell took an unlucky football and launched it at Tom Cable. Cable, who showed impressive agility for a man his size, dove out of the way. The football zoomed 100 yards down the field where it became lodged in the abdomen of one unlucky man.

"I am very sorry for what happened," Russell apologized during a press conference. "It was just an accident. I'm sure things like this happen all the time."

Commissioner Roger Goodell hasn't said anything on the subject yet. However, it is likely that Goodell will fine Russell $10 million and suspend him for three seasons. Russell's career may be over before Al Davis has a chance to ruin it.

Russell's teammates have been forbidden to speak about the incident. However, Johnnie Lee Higgins has been wearing a bullet-proof vest since the incident occurred.

To the protest of every San Diego Chargers player, Russell will be allowed to play in week 14. To get on Russell's good side, many Chargers have agreed that Batman is a real superhero.

Authorities have informed Russell that he must get a firearms license, or else his arm will be confiscated. It has also been reported that Russell's teammate will make a full recovery (almost).

Tony Romo Sidelined by Chipped Tooth, Paper Cut (Humor)

Michael Nevin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:05:08 -0500

Cowboys Quarterback, Tony Romo, has reportedly sustained new injuries that could sideline him for a few weeks. These injuries extend what has been a difficult year for Romo, who injured his pinkie finger earlier in the season.

"My pinkie injury was very painful," Romo said on a conference call. "After all, it is one of the body's most vital organs. These new injuries just frustrate me even more."

Romo's new injuries include a chipped incisor tooth and a violent paper cut. Apparently, Romo chipped his tooth when he grew impatient while eating a jawbreaker. According to his doctor, he was very lucky.

"You should never bite into a jawbreaker," Said Dr. Vandelay. "He is lucky his injury wasn't worse. He could have easily broken his jaw."

Romo later got a paper cut on his right index finger. According to Romo, his family is particularly susceptible to paper cuts.

"It isn't the worst paper cut I have gotten, but it is at least a centimeter long," Romo said.

It has been reported that Romo cut his finger while looking through travel magazines. Romo was planning a vacation in case the Cowboys made it to the playoffs again.

"It is always good to plan ahead," said Romo's agent. "He was hoping for a first round bye. Now, this tragedy may prevent him from going to the Bahamas. Life can be so cruel."

Terrell Owens wanted us to know that Tony Romo is, in fact, his quarterback. The two were supposed to go on vacation together.

"I really hate paper now," said Owens as he dabbed his cheeks with a tissue. "I'm never going to use paper again...except for tissues."

Romo said he is unsure how long he will be sidelined. He is out of band-aids and can't get a hold of his dentist, so it is unclear when he will be able to return.