The Refs

Move over “No Fun League,” the college boys have you beat for most irrational, curmudgeon, rule-makers in sports.

The zebras stole any chance the University of Washington Huskies had of upsetting No.15 BYU in Husky Stadium Saturday with an absurd excessive celebration penalty against Washington QB Jake Locker.

With just two seconds left, Locker salvaged a broken play from the BYU 3-yard-line by running it in and all but tying the Cougars, with just the extra point to send it into overtime.

But after Locker leapt up in the air and hugged an oncoming O-lineman, the refs decided college, football, and especially college football, are no place for fun.

The 15-yard penalty forced Washington to kick a 35-yard extra point attempt instead of the typical 20 yarder. The kick was blocked and BYU escaped early season dismissal from BCS bowl consideration.

The letter of the law states, “Any delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed act by which a player (or players) attempts to focus attention upon himself (or themselves).”

Locker’s cheerful display was quick, immediate and completely impromptu – if you’ve ever won a stuffed animal at the state fair, you know how Locker felt.

The rule has a place – believe me. I can’t stand the ridiculous exhibitions of machismo that have become the norm in sports – but this was just a kid literally jumping for joy.

When in doubt, swallow the whistle. You’re supposed to maintain the game, not decide it.

This pack of Pac-10 referees most definitely gets out TOUGH LOVE!

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