Fisher fine
League officials fined Titans coach Jeff Fisher $12,500 for comments he made about a referee's call in Sunday's game against the Ravens. During the third quarter, officials said Ravens running back Mike Anderson was down by contact in Ravens territory before he fumbled and the ball was recovered by the Titans' Robaire Smith. The instant replay, and anyone with eyes, clearly showed it was a fumble and Smith recovered the ball.
Upon further review, the officials said there was in fact a fumble, but they didn't give it to the Titans because they weren't sure about who recovered the ball. Of course, Fisher, as expected, had some words about the officiating, but they weren't out of line.
The NFL has a problem. Over the years, the officiating has become as watered down as the talent on the field. Why have instant replay if you still can't make the correct call? I think head coaches, if asked about certain calls from the media, should be able to comment especially if the situation is handled in a professional manner.
Mike Preston has been with The Baltimore Sun since 1983. Prior to becoming a columnist in 2000, he covered the Ravens for four years. Preston is a native of Essex and a graduate of Towson State University, where he played football. 
Jamison Hensley covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun. 
Comments
jeff fisher should take a look at the replay when vince young clearly wasn't in the end zone on that first half rushing touchdown. fact. he is just miz about the fact he see's mason and mcnair take the golden road out of their careers. plus they dont have to live in nashville
Posted by: jeremy gold | November 15, 2006 3:28 PM
This is a big misunderstanding that can be attributed to the replay team at CBS. They were not reviewing the Anderson fumble, that was a fumble. However, CBS showed that to viewers on instant replay. The officials ruled Keydrick Vincent was down by contact when he recovered Anderson's fumble but in no way could the officials tell who recovered the ball. Anderson's fumble was blatant but that was not the fumble in question.
Posted by: Chris | November 15, 2006 3:32 PM
Your wrong about the ultimate outcome of that play. Yes it was clear the ball was fumbled but it was also clear that Jason Brown was in the best position to recover. When the ref is calling "down by contact" over and over there is no reason to hang on to the ball. So Jason relaeses and Smith comes out of the pile with the ball. No way that ball goes to the Titans.
Posted by: J. Kelly | November 15, 2006 3:40 PM
That no fumble call was obviously a terrible call and the replay clearly showed it. The only thing clear about the recovery is that Smith came out of the pile with the ball. It does not clearly show that he recovered it. Who knows how many times it changed hands? Fisher himself says the replay challenge was handled correctly---- he just shound't have been put in the position of having to challenge in the first place
Posted by: Jimontheshore | November 15, 2006 3:46 PM
i agree totally...why the hell would you fine the coach for a call you admitted to "screwing up".....damn shame...everybody else at work is held accountable for their actions. Referees should too!!!
Posted by: The Sarccastik Anomaly | November 15, 2006 3:48 PM
How about the Super Bowl last year? Absolutley disgraceful! They should have replayed that game. Of course, it could never happen.
Posted by: Brian | November 15, 2006 3:51 PM
The problem in that NFL and its yacht load of money can't pay for full time officials.
Why are officials not held accountable and fined when they screw up? I mean take last years super bowl for example. what a joke that was.
Posted by: double B | November 15, 2006 8:14 PM