Most of these NBA official’s 09 playoff performances make Ed Hochuli’s mistake ridden 08 season seem minute and even run of the mill.

And Ed made a ton of bad calls this past NFL season.  Just ask the San Diego Chargers.

So can the NBA refs settle on what is considered a flagrant foul and what is not?

There needs to be some consistency, right now it’s totally up in the air.  Might as well flip a coin.

And could the refs be a little less quick to call technical fouls?

Look at Joey Crawford wrong and he'll give you a technical (Image:Newscom)

It’s the playoffs, intensity has swelled and player’s are extra emotional, the refs should give them a bit more leeway.

Having called out the refs, though very nicely I might add, I’m pleasantly surprised at the level of physicality and talent displayed during most of the playoff series this postseason and I must say the officiating has for the most part been EQUALLY pathetic on both sides, never overtly favoring one team over another. Basically, each team is getting duped the same amount, or so it appears. And I think that’s a very fair statement, especially considering the Orlando Magic are now up 2-1 on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

David Stern is probably frantically making plans to change all that right now.

Well, it might not even matter what Stern does if Cavs players not named Lebron do not step up and make more shots.

Post from: EveryJoe

I Like Good Officiating And I Cannot Lie

The Yankees organization paid its respects to Yankee Stadium the other night and honored the many talented players who have graced the field over the years.

Roger Clemens tuned into the historic ceremony and final game from his living room. Only, he was surprised and equally saddened to see that his name wasn’t mentioned at all.

So what I want to know is this: Should the Yankees have honored Roger Clemens?

(Don’t forget to cast your vote in the poll!)

My argument is this:
What does Joe Torre think? He wasn’t mentioned either and I think his snub was a bit more harsh. He did a heck of a lot for the Yankee organization and I think it was a personal dig by Hanky boy Steinbrenner . As for Clemens, I have a different opinion. I don’t like the guy and I don’t believe a word he says. I think he took steroids and I think he thinks the rest of us are idiots to try and maintain his innocence despite mounting evidence against him. He should have taken a note from Andy Pettitte and Jason Giambi and just admitted the truth. People would have more respect for him for fessing up, for facing up to the consequences of his own actions.

The fact that Clemens acts arrogantly and as if he is above the law has clouded his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers ever beyond repair.

The Yankees didn’t honor him because they thought it would cause a distraction. And like Barry Bonds, that is what Roger Clemens has become. He’s no longer a celebrated baseball icon … he’s a distraction. And unless he starts singing a different steroid accusation tone, he better get used to it.

The results of the Ed Hochuli poll are in! The question was: Should Ed Hochuli be punished by the NFL? I don’t think anyone cares because nobody voted!

For previous editions of For Argument’s Sake, go here.

Photo provided by Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Should The Yankees Have Honored Roger Clemens?

Ed Hochuli has been an NFL referee for years. He’s easily spotted because of his incredibly toned and built physique, which sets him apart from any other referee on the field. I used to think his bicep would pop right out of his uniform whenever he gave the “first down” signal.

Coincidentally enough, I Hochuliwas profiled in Runner’s World magazine about how he keeps in such great shape. In case you weren’t aware, Hochuli is a highly respected referee around the league among players, officials, coaches and owners alike. Needless to say, it was a bit of a shock to everyone when he made the officiating blunder that he did, costing the Chargers the game.

So what I want to know is this: Should Ed Hochuli be punished by the NFL?

(Don’t forget to cast your vote in the poll!)

My argument is this:
Hasn’t he been punished enough? His “grade” is going to be lowered by the NFL, which determines which refs get to officiate playoffs games and the biggest, most important football game of all — the Superbowl. Would it really make a difference at this point if they asked him to sit out a game or two?

Also, the guy is obviously torn up about the call. ESPN reported that Hochuli has already come forward and admitted fault. He’s not making any excuses, he’s taking responsibility for his actions. He’s even going so far as answering hate mail from Charger fans with too much time on their hands. He doesn’t owe them anything, but he’s taking time out to apologize and answer each e-mail specifically. That’s what makes Hochuli such a good referee. He understands the passion of the fans, the players, the coaches and the owners. He gets it. He gets football.

And that’s why I know he’ll bounce back from this. After all, he’s human. And humans make mistakes.

The results of the AFC East poll are in! The question was: With Tom Brady out, who’s going to win the AFC East? The majority of you think that the New York Jets are going to win the division.

For previous editions of For Argument’s Sake, go here.

Photo provided by Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Should Ed Hochuli be punished by the NFL?