2 + 2 = instant replay
NFL to decide on revamped instant replay system
Posted: Wednesday March 10, 1999 09:03 PM
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This controversial touchdown between the Jets and Seahawks led to many demands to bring back instant replay. AP |
NEW YORK (AP) -- After a season of officiating problems, the NFL is set
to bring back instant replay at its spring meetings, which begin Sunday in
Phoenix.
The new format is what the NFL calls a "two plus two" system, giving
coaches two challenges per game and extra challenges in the final two
minutes of each half.
The new plan, which has been recommended by the competition committee,
will combine elements of the replay system that was in effect from 1986-91.
League spokesman Joe Browne said Wednesday he thinks replay has the best
chance for approval this year since it was removed seven years ago.
Replay was approved 7-1 by the league's competition committee this week
with Cincinnati's Mike Brown, a longtime dissenter, the only "no" vote. It
still must get 24 votes from the 31 teams to be approved.
The new element is the challenge, which will give coaches the right to
challenge what they think is a bad call. The referee would make the final
decision from a monitor on the field.
If the protest is turned down, the team will lose a timeout. If it's
upheld, it will not.
The old element will come in the final two minutes, when a replay
official in the press box can halt play any time he sees a questionable
call even if a team has used both its challenges. But the referee will
still make the final decision.
Replay has been voted down each year since it was voted out in 1992, in
part because the coaches haven't been able to agree on a system.
However, Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher, a member of the competition
committee, said he believes it will get the 24 votes necessary for
approval.
Several teams that have voted against it in the past, including the New York Giants -- who
have never voted for it -- have said they might reconsider their position.
Other major items likely to come up during the meetings include:
A decision on whether to award the 32nd franchise to Houston or Los
Angeles, two cities which lost teams this decade. The owners are believed
to be leaning toward Los Angeles, the larger market, but are unlikely to
award a franchise to either of the two competing groups. However, Browne
said things are still up in the air.
"It will be one word or two -- 'Houston' or 'Los Angeles'", he said.
A decision on whether to approve the $800 million bid for the Washington Redskins by
real estate mogul Howard Milstein. Browne said the major item still to be
cleared up is collateral for a $400 million loan. Milstein wants to use the
team as collateral, the league's finance committee doesn't.
An update on the status of Edward DeBartolo Jr., the owner of the San Francisco 49ers.
Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said in January it was unlikely DeBartolo would
have a role in the team in 1999 after pleading guilty to failing to report
a felony and fined $2 million in connection with a gambling license in
Louisiana.
A series of other rules changes. The most notable one would encourage
kickoff returns by placing the ball at the 25-yard line instead of the 20.
The idea is that strong-legged kickers would put the ball in play if the
opponent gained five yards if they put the ball through the end zone.
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