Soccer Ref Forced Into Hiding
Posted May 08, 2009 10:58AM By MICHAEL CARDILLO (RSS FEED)
Throughout the history of team sports, spectators have probably joked about causing bodily harm to an umpire or referee. In the wake of Barcelona's last-minute Champions League semifinal victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, this sort of thinking has become no laughing matter as the match's official -- Tom Henning Ovrebo -- has been forced into hiding after receiving numerous threats.
The Norwegian denied Chelsea, what the Blues felt, were three possible penalty kicks -- the first when Dani Alves dragged down Flourent Malouda in the box in the first half and the next two on possible handballs on Barcelona players Gerard Pique and Samuel Eto'o. The second call, which would have gone against Eto'o in injury time, has already sparked numerous YouTube parodies featuring Chelsea's Michael Ballack's over the top reaction.
In fairness, Ovrebo had a night to forget and let the game get away from him in the dying minutes. The missed call on Pique was especially egregious. Yet, that's obviously no excuse for people to publish the ref's Oslo address and make threats on his life.
It's certainly got to be tough to be a Chelsea fan this week after another gut-wrenching Champions League defeat. The club is full of stars and is good enough to win the competition, but last year lost to Manchester United in the final on penalty kicks and Wednesday got knocked out in the 93rd minute in the second leg of the semifinal. Ouch.
While Chelsea's general frustration can be understood, we still live in a world where you have to abide the ref's whistle and decision. Or as my friend John puts it, "Friends, you gotta play by the rules."
A blog dedicated to bad calls, bad refs, penalties, fines, sports scandals, and more. Send us your ref rants refusuck (@) gmail.com
Friday, May 8, 2009
Ron Artest Wanted Kobe Suspended
Ron Artest Wanted Kobe Suspended
Posted May 08, 2009 2:57PM By BRETT POLLAKOFF (RSS FEED)
The Lakers will head into Game 3 against the Rockets without the services of Derek Fisher, who was suspended for running through a screen set by throwing a forearm at Luis Scola. But Kobe Bryant will be in uniform, even though the elbow he threw was certainly deliberate, and was also enough to send Ron Artest running halfway across the court to let him know it wasn't appreciated.
Artest, as you might imagine, believes the league got it wrong, and was surprised at Stu Jackson's ruling that Bryant's play was only upgraded to a flagrant foul, penalty one. Artest believes it should have resulted in a suspension.
"I thought above the shoulders was a game (suspension), but I guess you can throw elbows above the shoulders," Artest said. "I think Stu (Jackson, the NBA vice president) needs to re-look at that. When you look at that elbow, if that was me throwing that elbow at Kobe, first of all I would have hurt Kobe way more than he hurt me. I probably would have knocked him out with the same force he used on me. Second, it's dangerous.
"That shows me, if Kobe hits me with an elbow, I can just get hit. That just goes to show what type of person Stu Jackson is. I got suspended for a lighter elbow in San Antonio (in the 2006 first round). Maybe David Stern needs to talk to Stu Jackson. It's not fair. He just got a flagrant-1?"
Yes, Ron, he just got a flagrant one. And it was the correct call.
As Matt Watson and I discussed on the RoundCast at the time, Kobe's play -- while excessive -- was not intended to injure Artest. It was meant to clear space, after Artest was leaning on Kobe's neck to prevent him from getting position just seconds before the elbow came flying. It certainly was a play that should have been called a flagrant foul at the time, but it wasn't one that warranted a suspension.
This series is shaping up to be the most physical of the (still young) postseason. There will undoubtedly be more hard fouls, technicals, and controversial plays in the games that follow. Artest might not be correct in this particular instance in calling for a Kobe Bryant suspension. But his comments can't hurt, and might simply be a way of preemptively lobbying the league to rule on his side the next time something like this goes down.
Posted May 08, 2009 2:57PM By BRETT POLLAKOFF (RSS FEED)
The Lakers will head into Game 3 against the Rockets without the services of Derek Fisher, who was suspended for running through a screen set by throwing a forearm at Luis Scola. But Kobe Bryant will be in uniform, even though the elbow he threw was certainly deliberate, and was also enough to send Ron Artest running halfway across the court to let him know it wasn't appreciated.
Artest, as you might imagine, believes the league got it wrong, and was surprised at Stu Jackson's ruling that Bryant's play was only upgraded to a flagrant foul, penalty one. Artest believes it should have resulted in a suspension.
"I thought above the shoulders was a game (suspension), but I guess you can throw elbows above the shoulders," Artest said. "I think Stu (Jackson, the NBA vice president) needs to re-look at that. When you look at that elbow, if that was me throwing that elbow at Kobe, first of all I would have hurt Kobe way more than he hurt me. I probably would have knocked him out with the same force he used on me. Second, it's dangerous.
"That shows me, if Kobe hits me with an elbow, I can just get hit. That just goes to show what type of person Stu Jackson is. I got suspended for a lighter elbow in San Antonio (in the 2006 first round). Maybe David Stern needs to talk to Stu Jackson. It's not fair. He just got a flagrant-1?"
Yes, Ron, he just got a flagrant one. And it was the correct call.
As Matt Watson and I discussed on the RoundCast at the time, Kobe's play -- while excessive -- was not intended to injure Artest. It was meant to clear space, after Artest was leaning on Kobe's neck to prevent him from getting position just seconds before the elbow came flying. It certainly was a play that should have been called a flagrant foul at the time, but it wasn't one that warranted a suspension.
This series is shaping up to be the most physical of the (still young) postseason. There will undoubtedly be more hard fouls, technicals, and controversial plays in the games that follow. Artest might not be correct in this particular instance in calling for a Kobe Bryant suspension. But his comments can't hurt, and might simply be a way of preemptively lobbying the league to rule on his side the next time something like this goes down.
How is the NHL officiating?
NHL officiating poll
Be sure to read the comments. Wow, there are some unhappy hockey fans out there!
Be sure to read the comments. Wow, there are some unhappy hockey fans out there!
McPhee Is Unhappy With Officiating in Series
McPhee Is Unhappy With Officiating in Series
PITTSBURGH, May 7 -- Washington Capitals General Manager George McPhee is not one to seek the spotlight. But on Thursday he did, going before cameras and microphones to voice his displeasure with the officiating in his team's second-round series with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Capitals lead Pittsburgh, two games to one, but the Penguins have enjoyed 17 power plays to the Capitals' nine. In Pittsburgh's 3-2 victory Wednesday, the Penguins had a 7-2 edge in power plays, and, at one point, six straight penalties were called against the Capitals, the most penalized team in the playoffs.
The Penguins scored once on the power play and took 12 of their 42 shots while enjoying the man advantage in Game 3.
"I was disappointed with the officiating last night," said McPhee, who made the comments knowing he could face a stiff fine from the league for commenting about the officials. "One team gets seven power plays and the other team gets two; it's hard to win that game. Your defense is tired, your role players are tired from killing penalties all night, and your top players don't get on the ice as much as they'd like to."
McPhee said he was disappointed with two calls in particular: slashing infractions assessed to goaltender Simeon Varlamov and defenseman Mike Green. McPhee also mentioned Chris Kunitz's slash to the neck of Varlamov in Game 2. No penalty was called on Kunitz, but the Penguins' forward was later fined by the league.
In the second period Wednesday, Varlamov was whistled for slashing Evgeni Malkin with his stick moments after Malkin had made contact with the goalie in his crease. No penalty was assessed to Malkin. Earlier in the period, Green was sent to the penalty box for slashing Penguins center Jordan Staal after receiving a heavy hit in the Washington zone.
"Some penalties you deserve, and some of them shouldn't be called in an NHL playoff game," McPhee said.
Washington has been assessed 57 minor penalties this postseason, 10 more than any other team entering Thursday's games. The team was also among the most penalized teams in the regular season, taking the seventh-most minor penalties.
PITTSBURGH, May 7 -- Washington Capitals General Manager George McPhee is not one to seek the spotlight. But on Thursday he did, going before cameras and microphones to voice his displeasure with the officiating in his team's second-round series with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Capitals lead Pittsburgh, two games to one, but the Penguins have enjoyed 17 power plays to the Capitals' nine. In Pittsburgh's 3-2 victory Wednesday, the Penguins had a 7-2 edge in power plays, and, at one point, six straight penalties were called against the Capitals, the most penalized team in the playoffs.
The Penguins scored once on the power play and took 12 of their 42 shots while enjoying the man advantage in Game 3.
"I was disappointed with the officiating last night," said McPhee, who made the comments knowing he could face a stiff fine from the league for commenting about the officials. "One team gets seven power plays and the other team gets two; it's hard to win that game. Your defense is tired, your role players are tired from killing penalties all night, and your top players don't get on the ice as much as they'd like to."
McPhee said he was disappointed with two calls in particular: slashing infractions assessed to goaltender Simeon Varlamov and defenseman Mike Green. McPhee also mentioned Chris Kunitz's slash to the neck of Varlamov in Game 2. No penalty was called on Kunitz, but the Penguins' forward was later fined by the league.
In the second period Wednesday, Varlamov was whistled for slashing Evgeni Malkin with his stick moments after Malkin had made contact with the goalie in his crease. No penalty was assessed to Malkin. Earlier in the period, Green was sent to the penalty box for slashing Penguins center Jordan Staal after receiving a heavy hit in the Washington zone.
"Some penalties you deserve, and some of them shouldn't be called in an NHL playoff game," McPhee said.
Washington has been assessed 57 minor penalties this postseason, 10 more than any other team entering Thursday's games. The team was also among the most penalized teams in the regular season, taking the seventh-most minor penalties.
Monday, April 13, 2009
very cool NHL forum
Check out a new hockey forum I found called NHL Arena. This forum lets you bounce around to any NHL team you want. Very cool idea.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
NHL referee Don Koharski works final game
TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—Don Koharski is ready for his next challenge.
The veteran referee completed a 32-year on-ice NHL career in Thursday night’s game between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“I’m ready,” Koharski said before the game. “I just finished my last road trip, four games in eight days. At about day six of the road trip, I said, ‘Yeah, I made the right decision.”’
The 53-year-old Koharski is expected to join NHL management to work with and recruit on-ice officials.
“There’s some opportunities knocking at the door for me, and I think I can make a difference off the ice,” Koharski said. “I just seen a window of opportunity to help our guys that are going to get an opportunity now to take it to the next level. I want to be part of that.”
Koharski, who lives in Dade City, expected his final game to be tough from an emotional standpoint.
“It’s been my whole life,” Koharski said. “Somebody said to me, if you happen to hear the announcement, ‘you have one-minute to play in the third period,’ what are my thoughts going to be at that time. I said ‘well, there’s one minute left in my on-ice career.’ This gruff old guy wears his emotions on his sleeve.”
Around 120 family members and friends were expected to watch Koharski’s final game.
Koharski worked in the World Hockey Association before appearing in his first NHL game as a linesman on Oct. 14, 1977. His first contest as a referee was Nov, 18, 1981.
Highlights for Koharski include his first Stanley Cup final and working the 1987 Canada Cup final between Canada and the Soviet Union, in which the Russians asked for him to be the referee.
“I just look at where the world hockey and international hockey is since that day, and realize the best officials are from the National Hockey League,” Koharski said. “The world accepted that the best officials are from the National Hockey League and it opened up a lot of doors. I’m pretty proud of that.”
Koharski was involved in an infamous moment during the 1988 playoffs when New Jersey coach Jim Schoenfeld waited for him after a game and told the ref to “have another doughnut.”
“I wish Schonie was here tonight,” Koharski said. “In Carolina, he called me over and wished me good luck. Schonie is a good guy.”
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-koharski-finalgame&prov=ap&type=lgns
The veteran referee completed a 32-year on-ice NHL career in Thursday night’s game between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“I’m ready,” Koharski said before the game. “I just finished my last road trip, four games in eight days. At about day six of the road trip, I said, ‘Yeah, I made the right decision.”’
The 53-year-old Koharski is expected to join NHL management to work with and recruit on-ice officials.
“There’s some opportunities knocking at the door for me, and I think I can make a difference off the ice,” Koharski said. “I just seen a window of opportunity to help our guys that are going to get an opportunity now to take it to the next level. I want to be part of that.”
Koharski, who lives in Dade City, expected his final game to be tough from an emotional standpoint.
“It’s been my whole life,” Koharski said. “Somebody said to me, if you happen to hear the announcement, ‘you have one-minute to play in the third period,’ what are my thoughts going to be at that time. I said ‘well, there’s one minute left in my on-ice career.’ This gruff old guy wears his emotions on his sleeve.”
Around 120 family members and friends were expected to watch Koharski’s final game.
Koharski worked in the World Hockey Association before appearing in his first NHL game as a linesman on Oct. 14, 1977. His first contest as a referee was Nov, 18, 1981.
Highlights for Koharski include his first Stanley Cup final and working the 1987 Canada Cup final between Canada and the Soviet Union, in which the Russians asked for him to be the referee.
“I just look at where the world hockey and international hockey is since that day, and realize the best officials are from the National Hockey League,” Koharski said. “The world accepted that the best officials are from the National Hockey League and it opened up a lot of doors. I’m pretty proud of that.”
Koharski was involved in an infamous moment during the 1988 playoffs when New Jersey coach Jim Schoenfeld waited for him after a game and told the ref to “have another doughnut.”
“I wish Schonie was here tonight,” Koharski said. “In Carolina, he called me over and wished me good luck. Schonie is a good guy.”
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-koharski-finalgame&prov=ap&type=lgns
Monday, April 6, 2009
New Ref You Suck! shirts and hoodies are here!
We just got the first batch of Ref You Suck! merch. We will be getting hats, beanies and stickers soon. The official refyousuck.com site is still under construction and I know a lot of you have been waiting for these so I connected the stuff to my personal Paypal account. Be sure to mention the size you need with your order. Thanks!
Hoodies are $25 (Hanes 50/50 black only) Shipping is $8
front
back
Mens shirts are $14 (Hanes beefy-t 100% cotton, black only) shipping is $5
Ladies shirts are $16 (made by American Apparel, 100% cotton, black only) Sizes run small- if you normally wear a M, get a L. Shipping is $5
Hoodies are $25 (Hanes 50/50 black only) Shipping is $8
front
back
Mens shirts are $14 (Hanes beefy-t 100% cotton, black only) shipping is $5
Ladies shirts are $16 (made by American Apparel, 100% cotton, black only) Sizes run small- if you normally wear a M, get a L. Shipping is $5
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