Replay Shmeplay

SPORTING GOODS

I suppose it's somewhat consoling to know that even NFL officials think the use of the replay can be overused. Viz.,

The officials let out more than they intended for anyone to hear Saturday during the preseason opener at Heinz Field between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions.

The men in stripes were not happy that the replay official called for an official review of a five-yard run by Steelers quarterback Dennis Dixon. It was pouring rain. The outcome didn’t matter. And apparently the officials were looking for the nearest exit.

That is because referee Jeff Triplette’s microphone clearly picked up some naughty language.

“It’s raining like this, I’ll kick his [expletive],” was heard, according to the Associated Press.

Of course, playing in such hideous conditions raises another issue, but everyone knows that none of the major professional sports leagues have any interest in accommodating their fans in such instances.

Off to the Berkshires for a few days. Posting may well be sporadic.