May 28, 2008

Recently I had a conversation on the Mike and Mike radio program about the use of instant replay in sports.

Of course it's used on a limited basis in college basketball and it has helped the sport. I feel instant replay, when used in an intelligent way, can be a major positive.

I think people would agree that the No. 1 criteria would be to get the play right, especially when there is such an impact. Let's understand that calls can influence a game and the success and failure of an individual's livelihood.

I know it is not easy to do instant replay in baseball. Still, the bottom line is get the call right. I have spoken to several basketball officials and they admit that they are human. They also feel most times when calls are looked at, they will look good because they are right.

How many times do you watch a baseball game on TV and see a bang-bang play and it turns out the umpire was right? I am amazed at the job these people do.

If an official is confident in his ability, he realizes there is a human factor and mistakes do happen on occasion. If you can correct it, so be it.

I have turnovers, everyone has the turnover, baby! These officials and umpires have their mistakes in such a public forum, where they get taken apart.

Instant replay can be useful for all sports in the future. It has worked out well in the college arenas