Is there no forgiveness?

Ed Hochuli might be the NFL’s best referee.  If you watch pro football I bet you recognize him.  He has always been admired.  That is until last week in Denver.

In a wild, wide-open game announcers were sure would come down to the last possession, the Denver Broncos faced a 2nd and goal with time slipping away. Denver Quarterback Jay Cutler was about to throw when the ball popped out of his hand and the fumble recovered by the San Diego Chargers.  Ed Hochuli was behind the play, and from his vantage point believed the fumble was an incomplete pass. He blew his whistle, ending the play.

It was clear immediately a mistake had been made, and Hochuli realized his error after an official review. If called correctly, the San Diego Chargers would win.  But by NFL rule the play could not be overturned.  The Broncos kept the ball and in just a few plays scored the winning points.

Chargers coach Norv Turner was incensed, and this was his quote to the AP:

“On the last play, it was clearly a fumble,” Turner fumed. “Ed came over, the official, and said he blew it. And that’s not acceptable to me. This is a high-level performance game and that’s not acceptable to have a game decided on that play.”

His frustration is understandable, but it should be noted Norv Turner only believes in high-level performances when they don’t apply to him. His record (72-89-1) would say he is a mediocre coach.

From minute one, Ed Hochuli has regretted his poor call. He’s apologized profusely to anyone who’ll listen.  He’s been careful to answer every e-mail – even hate mail that he has received.

Yet, he was disciplined by the NFL, which could negatively affect his chances of ever officiating another NFL playoff game. For a guy who’s been the head referee in two Super Bowls, it’s a tremendous professional hit.

The biggest concern to me is what this says about our society’s tendency for hanging our contrite public figures. We expect our leaders to be honest and open but if they do we destroy them for admitting fault. We mock apologies and deride policy changes over years as ‘flip-flopping’. In today’s media, it doesn’t pay to take your lumps, to apologize for wrongdoing, because witnessing the downfall of our public figures is too sweet.   Unfortunately I don’t think it’s too much better in the church.  Who loves the fall of a public leader better than Christians?