Outback Bowl Florida vs. Iowa

[ShoelessJoe]

Ok, so we can all agree that there was shotty officiating for this game. Now I wanted to know everybody's opinion about announcers and how they comment on in. I typically think that it's in bad taste and just is something that is not done. If you watch an NFL game, an analyst might say there was a bad call once or twice in the game, but they typically go back to it after a commercial or something and say that the call was right anyways.

So what does everybody think? I personally can't stand it when announcers say "Oh, that's a bad call, etc etc"

[HskrPwr13]

I think it depends on how its announced. If its clearly a bad call, and especially if it has dire consequences to the outcome of the game, then absolutely the announcers should be all over it. If its questionable in the sense that one couldnt conclusively tell one way or the other which way it should have been, then the announcer can give his/her opinion but shouldnt bark all game about it. If the call is right or it the announcer just plain didnt like the rule that forced the official to throw a flag, then he/she can comment about the rule, but certainly cant fault the officials and should blame the offending player for not taking the correct action based on the rules.

Unfortunately, in a lot of situations, sportscasters give their opinions on things that dont merit an opinion. If they would just call the game and leave their attitudes at the door, they would come off a lot brighter and a lot less biased. Apparantly not enough complaints about this to merit any action taken by tv stations.

[The Great Gambini]

I liked that Spielman was showing some emotion for the game. Personally, I think most sports-casters are morons anyways, so if anything, I'd like to be entertained...no one really impresses me all that much, with a few exceptions. I like Musburger, Nessler's okay, Keith Jackson is the classic. Verne Lundquist is pretty good, too.

[VHawk15]

I think, when times justify, it's the accouncers' job to get emotional and/or call out the refs. Obviously, the onside kick call was illegitimate for two reasons; 1) It was such a critical time in the game and 2) It never happened. So, in situations such as that, the accouncer has a duty to remain unbiased and to treat the situation justly, and not to sugarcoat it. The referees and the media aren't on the same "team", there's no reason why the sportscasters should ever feel obligated to be kind to the refs when they make such a horrendous call.

Would you rather the color commentator have said, "Well, it doesn't appear that anyone was offsides on that onside kick, but our camera angle may not be the best. Plus, being a referee is a tough job. Everyone makes mistakes."?

And plus, it is quite entertaining to hear Spielman go off.

[BaseballFann0008]

I love Keith Jackson...but the only time we get him on the east coast is the USC - Cal game, OSU - Mich, and the Rose Bowl/National Championship


Keith is classic.

[The Great Gambini]

The referees and the media aren't on the same "team", there's no reason why the sportscasters should ever feel obligated to be kind to the refs when they make such a horrendous call.

Agreed. The media doesn't seem to have a problem ragging on certain players and coaches, so a ref who clearly botches a crucial call shouldn't get a pardon, either.