NFL officiating

[Craig S.]

I've always found the refereeing in the NFL to be the worst of any major sport. There's absolutely no consistency, especially in the areas of offensive holding and defensive pass interference.

Now, a recent league memo pretty much admits that referee Walt Coleman cost the Vikes a win over Green Bay on Sunday night:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/2002/1211/1475659.html

I don't expect any league's officials to be perfect. Baseball has the strike zone issue, certain NBA refs allow for more physical play, and the NHL officials are again swallowing their whistles in the third period and overtime. However, I'm amazed week after week at what is missed or miscalled in the NFL.

Walt Coleman, the man at the center this time, is no stranger to controversy:

http://www.provencehome.org/refsuck/walt_coleman.htm

Maybe they could rate the officials and reward/punish them based on performace, although I'm sure their contracts and union rights make that difficult. As an NFL fan, it's just gotten to a ridiculous point week after week, where you have to hope the officials don't cost your team a victory.