StevenOtero
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POSTED 11:59 a.m. EDT, March 22, 2007
"K" BALL CHANGES COMING?
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the NFL could soon be changing the manner in which the kicking balls are handled and used.
The move most likely is a reaction to the playoff incident involving Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who mishandled an apparently slick "K" ball on a decisive field goal attempt during a postseason game at Seattle.
The situation prompted scrutiny of the 12 balls used only for the kicking game. Based on our reading of the rules and our discussions with league insiders, it became clear that the ball boy who keeps the bag of "K" balls has the ability, if he so chooses, to squirrel away a particularly slick ball for insertion into the game at the most inopportune moment for the visiting team.
Coupled with reports from Charley Casserly of CBS regarding the limited time that the game officials have to prepare the factory-sealed kicking balls for use on the field, there's definitely the potential for shenanigans.
Falcons G.M. Rich McKay, co-chair of the league's Competition Committee, says that the proposal is intended "to make sure that there is no perception -- it is not reality in our mind -- we're doing everything we can to make sure that people feel comfortable that the balls that are being played with in the games are appropriate."
If the owners adopt the changes recommended by the Competition Committee, more time will be available for the preparation of the balls and, as we suggested in the wake of the Romo brouhaha, the "K" balls will be numbered and used sequentially.
Said Cowboys punter Mat McBriar regarding the incident that ended Bill Parcells' tenure with the team: "[C]ome the fourth quarter, all the balls have been kicked or worked in a little bit by then, and to see a slick ball like that, that was disappointing. You don't expect brand-new balls in the fourth quarter."
We applaud the move. Even if nothing underhanded is happening, numbering the balls and giving the officials more time to rub them all down will help to remove any discretion that the ball boys -- who are employed by the home team -- might have when it comes to pulling out a "K" ball when the away team is getting ready to try a key kick.
:laugh1: :bang2: