The Super Bowl has come and gone, but the commiserating over uncalled penalties continues to linger. It has become an annual tradition for fans to dissect every frame of the game, searching for non-calls that could have potentially changed the outcome. This post-Super Bowl ritual is a clear sign that the seasons are changing, and the NBA’s All-Star Weekend is just around the corner.
Unlike the Super Bowl, the NBA’s All-Star Weekend is an event where officials rarely make controversial calls. It is a time when everyone can accept the final score without a round of complaints and bellyaching. It is a breath of fresh air compared to the post-Super Bowl frenzy.
However, there is always a loud minority of fans who can’t resist the urge to play “keyboard zebras” and scrutinize every play for missed calls. These fans, who I like to call “football Karens,” have an obsession with officials making themselves household names. They thrive on the drama and controversy that comes with controversial calls or non-calls.
It’s not surprising to see this behavior from fans of the San Francisco 49ers. Not only were they on the losing side of the Super Bowl, but their owner, Jed York, even called attention to a missed holding call on Nick Bosa from four years ago. Bosa himself has complained about the Chiefs’ offensive tackles holding, but that’s a common occurrence in football. It’s understandable that Bosa, as a pass rusher on the losing side, would be emotional and looking for any excuse for their loss.
But let’s be real here. The average fan knows very little about what constitutes a hold, especially compared to experts like retired NFL offensive tackle Geoff Schwartz. Instead of relying on experts, these “football Karens” prefer to rely on grainy screen recordings and isolated clips that conveniently support their claims.
It’s time for these fans to stop begging officials to bail out their team. The rest of the football-watching universe enjoyed a free-flowing second half of the Super Bowl, where the officials were hardly noticed. The average fan doesn’t want more input from refs or more replay reviews; they just want to enjoy the game without constant interruptions.
Demanding a perfectly officiated game is a recipe for disaster. Mistakes will always happen, just like quarterbacks missing open receivers. Seeking perfection through artificial intelligence officiating will only lead to an unwatchable viewing experience filled with offsetting flags and constant interruptions. Let’s enjoy the game in its purest form while we still can.
So, as we move on from the Super Bowl and look forward to the NBA’s All-Star Weekend, let’s leave behind the post-game commiserating and accept the final score. Let’s appreciate the sport for what it is, imperfections and all. Let’s enjoy the gladiator sport without seeking additional input from refs. Let’s savor the Super Bowl while we can, because who knows what the future of officiating holds.
