Why NFL Owners Allow Bad Calls by Officials That Change a Game's Outcome

It is not that surprising that bad calls by officials can change a games outcome. What is surprising is that the owners of the Teams allow it to happen.

It is often said that "protecting the integrity of The Shield" is Commissioner Goodell's primary objective. He will fine players and enforce suspensions when necessary. Some players think he is too heavy handed in this regard.

Why is it, then, that bad calls receive so little attention by the Commissioner? The answer can be found in two places. First, the fans expect bad calls and they do nothing but complain for a day or two and move on. Second, the owners don't want to spend the money to correct the problem because that would imply a tarnished shield in the first place.

Everyone that watches a game closely will agree that infractions that could be flagged are all over the place. It is obvious that not all infractions can or should be called.

Some people argue that only the worst infractions are called but we all know that is not true. Every week some bad infraction is not called and some slight and questionable "infraction" is called.

There are two changes that will take care of this problem. First, the owners and Commissioner need to make more of the problem and actively correct it by fining and suspending officials. Second, this is the one that will cost a little money, there needs to be two sets of officials scheduled for each game. They will not know until game time if they are to work the game that day. They might work only half the game or not at all. This will eliminate "even the appearance of impropriety," as they say.

As the important games heat up toward the playoffs, the officiating will be more important than ever. It would be great to let the games be decided solely by the play on the field.