Hunter Smith Adds Twist to Scoreboardgate

Alexander

What's it going to be then, eh?
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Hunter Smith Adds Twist to Scoreboardgate
Posted Aug 26, 2009 3:10PM By Matt Snyder (RSS feed)

Scoreboardgate, originating in the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium, has taken another turn. Remember, the Cowboys debuted in their new digs this past weekend. Everything about the stadium is extravagant, and we'd expect nothing less in a Jerry Jones operation. The only problem thus far is that there are massive scoreboards over the center of the stadium that are able to be hit by punted balls.

Earlier this week, Colts president Bill Polian revealed the Colts avoided the same issues in their one-year-old Lucas Oil Stadium by having Hunter Smith -- then the Colts' punter, though he now plays for the Commanders -- punt balls high up into the air. They decided to put their boards on side walls instead of overhead. Now, Smith is disputing Polian's claims, via Matt Terl of Commanders Blog:
[Terl]: "Okay, so you were the guy who tested the--"

Smith: "No."

[Terl]: "No?"

Smith: "No."

[Terl]: "That's incorrect?"

Smith: "That is incorrect. I have been getting phone calls, emails, everything from people about this story. I never did that. I don't remember ever doing that. I can tell you with integrity that I have never punted a ball over a bar or had them measure how high it went."

Smith shrugged. "Now, they could've done it with a camp leg we had, I guess, but ... I never did that. I guess he had me mixed up with someone else, or they planned on doing it, or he just forgot."

Terl also made sure to point out that Smith apologized for potentially ruining Polian's story. It's an illustration of how good a guy Smith is.

No real apology is necessary, though, because, frankly, it doesn't really matter. The Cowboys' scoreboards are too low. It's their fault and nothing changes that.

There's no reason for Polian to go around pontificating about how smart the Colts were before unveiling their new palace. We now know the story didn't happen as he said it did anyway. As Smith said, there could have been a second punter on the grassy knoll or Polian could just be accidentally performing revisionist history in his own mind.

In related news, the Cowboys' scoreboards are still too low.
 
this story is just stupid. I believe Jerry left it at that height knowing someone would hit it causing it to get more publicity. just raise the stupid screen already.
 
It isn't a scoreboard. I wonder how long it will take before the media grasps that in their mad dash to put out a candle fire with gasoline.
 
Scoreboardgate, the scandal named after a scoreboard that never existed.
 
Oh brother. This is one of those stories that will just go on and on and on and on.
 
No real apology is necessary, though, because, frankly, it doesn't really matter. The Cowboys' scoreboards are too low. It's their fault and nothing changes that.
I wish people could grasp the fact that it's not Jerry's fault. It is the NFL's fault for allowing it. Jerry didn't break any rules or go below any set limit, so it's not his fault. Sure he may have lacked foresight, but it's more the NFL's fault than Jerry's.
 
Rampage;2905075 said:
this story is just stupid. I believe Jerry left it at that height knowing someone would hit it causing it to get more publicity. just raise the stupid screen already.

+1

I can't wait to see that monster, but end the silly games already and raise it.
 
There are so many levels to this tale. Intrigue, power, greed, corruption, sex....this story has it all.
 
it's not as simple as just raising it--the building and seating were designed for video screens (notice I did not say scoreboard) at that height

it would be fun to just play it off the screen like the net in the AFL
 
I'm sure we'll be just fine.

sabresjumbotron.jpg
 
superpunk;2905111 said:
There are so many levels to this tale. Intrigue, power, greed, corruption, sex....this story has it all.

I missed the last thing on your list. Where does that come in?
 
http://i356.***BLOCKED***/albums/oo4/DallasEast1701/Punting%20in%20New%20Stadium/TheNFLThinker08252009.png
 
Ozzu;2905163 said:
The story that won't die. The season opener needs to hurry up and get here.

It'll get worse before it gets better, especially at the home openner.

Just let the Giants punter (whoever he is) launch one into that thing and all hell will break lose.
 
Rampage;2905075 said:
this story is just stupid. I believe Jerry left it at that height knowing someone would hit it causing it to get more publicity. just raise the stupid screen already.
Sure thing. Just as soon as the league ponies up the 6 mil to do just that.
 
DallasEast;2905192 said:
Sure thing. Just as soon as the league ponies up the 6 mil to do just that.
now it's 6 mil? I thought the band U2 was gonna pay for it?
 
switzersflask;2905098 said:
+1

I can't wait to see that monster, but end the silly games already and raise it.
The only games being played are by those protesting the preapproved league height of the videoboard.

Want the games to end?

Ask the league to take 100% responsibility of correcting the 'problem'. 'Problem' solved.
 
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