UT accepts ruling on missed extra point
Written by Zach Davis | | zdavis@toledofreepress.comToledo Athletic Director Mike O’Brien released a statement Sept. 26 that while UT still feels like the officiating error cost them a victory, the school has accepted the ruling that the game’s outcome can not be changed.
“While we are obviously disappointed for the student-athletes, coaches and fans that an officiating error played a role in the outcome of our football game at Syracuse, we accept the ruling from the Big East and the NCAA Football Rules Committee that the final outcome of the game cannot be reversed,” O’Brien said. “We appreciate the efforts of those who looked into this matter. We consider the matter closed and now look forward to the remainder of the Rocket football season.”
O’Brien responded from a statement released from Mid-American Conference Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher earlier in the day which claimed NCAA rules cannot be changed once the game is officially ruled over.
“Since the conclusion of the Toledo-Syracuse game, I have been in communication with Big East Commissioner, John Marinatto, along with Rogers Redding, Secretary-Rules Editor of the NCAA Football Rules Committee,” Steinbrecher wrote. “By rule once the game is declared over the score is final and there is no recourse to reverse an outcome. (Rule 1, Section 1, Article 3, Paragraph b of the 2011 NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations.)
“I share the frustration and regret with our Toledo coaches, student-athletes, administration and supporters of the Rockets football program. Immediately following the game, Bill Carollo, Coordinator of Officials of the Midwest Football Officials Alliance (MAC, Big Ten, Missouri Valley), reviewed the play and was in contact with Big East Coordinator of Officials, Terry McAuley, and both officials agreed that the ruling on the field and replay official both failed to make the correct call.
“As disappointing as this situation is, we are confident that proper action will be taken by the Big East Conference.”
Syracuse Head Coach Doug Marrone claimed in his weekly press conference that he had not given any thought to what he thought should be done.
“My time is so tight with my schedule,” Marrone said. “I would be happy to answer that question after the season. I really haven’t put any thought into that.
“I give them credit for standing up. In this game there is human error. Coaches know it as well as anyone. Everyone that is involved in this game I feel awful for them. I know how much they must be hurting.”
Following the game Sept. 24, Big East Director of Communications released a statement claiming that the replay official “mistakenly focused his attention on a sideline angle, which proved to be distorted” and that he was “confident that our officiating staff will learn from this situation in order to prevent a reoccurrence.”
Beckman followed that announcement with an email to Big East Director of Communications Chuck Sullivan asking what plans the conference had for correcting the situation.
“This is an incorrect call, so what is getting done about it?” Beckman wrote. “Admitting is one thing, correcting is another. I believe in the end of the regulation the score 30-29 is the right call.”
Toledo (1-3) remains on the road where they take on Temple (3-1) Oct. 1 at noon on ESPN Plus.
Tags: Rockets Football, syracuse, Tim Beckman
