Font Size:

I've never have been, nor will be, the type of football fan that blames a loss on the officials.  Sure, there are blown calls in each game that have a direct impact on the contest, but there are also many times when the team affected misses an opportunity.

But something has got to change in the SEC.

Tennessee's Lane Kiffin just received a reprimand from the SEC office for publicly complaining about the refs.  So did Mississippi State's Dan Mullen, a few weeks ago Arkansas' Bobby Petrino received a slap on the wrist for the same thing.  Shouldn't the fact that three SEC coaches voiced their concerns about specific calls be a red flag for SEC leaders?

On the last play in the Tennessee-Alabama game, the Tide's Terrance Cody blocked a game winning field goal attempt.  Cody then ripped off and threw his helmet in celebration.  Clearly, the play had not ended which should have resulted in a penalty.  But all the refs did was to leave the field, leaving many football fans wondering if UT should have gotten another shot at winning the game. 

We now know that there is no scenario involving the play and a possible penalty that would have given Tennessee another chance to win the game.  However, is it asking too much to expect the refs to finish the game?  Throw the flag, huddle together, and sort it all out.  Yeah, I know nothing would have changed.  Except that thousands of football fans might feel a little better about the competency of those in charge of the rules.