MOBILE, Ala. — The Sun Belt Conference on Tuesday issued a formal reprimand to the replay official who worked South Alabama’s game against North Texas last weekend, acknowledging that a reviewed play in the third quarter was ruled incorrectly.
The conference also reprimanded a replay official from last Thursday night’s Arkansas State-Louisiana-Monroe game. Both officials were placed on probation and removed from consideration for postseason bowl assignments.
The Play in Question
With North Texas leading 24-14 and 2:40 remaining in the third quarter, South Alabama defensive back Tyrell Pearson intercepted a pass and returned it down the left sideline. Pearson was knocked out of bounds near the goal line.
Officials on the field ruled that Pearson fumbled and that the ball struck the pylon before going out of bounds, which made the play a touchback and gave North Texas possession at its own 20-yard line. The ruling was upheld on replay review.
Video of the play shows the ball going out of bounds near the 1-yard line without touching the pylon. Under the correct ruling, South Alabama would have retained possession with first-and-goal at the 1.
North Texas went on to win 24-14.
Commissioner Apologizes
“Instant replay was established to ‘get calls right’ that are questionable on the field,” Sun Belt commissioner Karl Benson said. “Our coaches, student athletes and fans deserve quality performance in the instant replay booth just like they do from the officials on the field. South Alabama and ULM have received apologies and the two instant replay officials are hereby reprimanded.”
Jones: Call Had ‘Major Impact’
South Alabama head coach Joey Jones said a touchdown on the possession would have cut the deficit to three points entering the fourth quarter.
“It is unfortunate, but it definitely had a major impact on the game,” Jones said. “It would have made it a three-point game and it would have changed our whole offense philosophy in the fourth quarter. But I admire the Sun Belt Conference and the commissioner for admitting to (the mistake) and being completely honest about it.”
Erdmann Commends Conference
South Alabama athletics director Joel Erdmann told the Press-Register that he appreciated the conference’s response.
“I’d like to commend the commissioner and the conference’s actions in our specific instance,” Erdmann said. “It reinforces the stakes that are at play within the game of FBS football. Often times, a game’s outcome hangs in the balance of a hand full of plays. Thus, the increased importance on accuracy.”
“We deeply appreciate the conference and the officials and the coordinator of officials because we know that they work hard every day to prepare themselves to make the best decisions and call the best games that they can,” Erdmann said.
The 2012 season is South Alabama’s first playing a Sun Belt Conference football schedule.
