For the most part, when I pick a topic to write about in this weekly column, I try to find collaborative information to support what I share with readers.
Not long after I shared my feelings about the last two Vikings’ games, a news feed on the internet mentioned the suspensions of the officiating crew. The crew missed several infractions and made several questionable calls that influenced the outcome of the game.
As conversations followed, there was some talk about a couple of the referees officiating the Vikings/-Rams game had accepted bribes to influence the game. During my search for information, I found articles that mentioned some of the missed infractions and some of the questionable calls, but I couldn’t find anything that mentioned bribes – I may have simply missed that article because, as anyone who searches the internet for information knows, there are numerous articles available for any topic.
The problem I have with information found online is that some of it comes from sources that can’t be verified – in other words, almost anybody can submit information.
I do agree that some of the calls and non-calls during the Vikings’ loss in the playoff game seemed very one-sided, and there’s no doubt those calls influenced the outcome of the game. Even the announcers found some of the calls confusing.
What will become of this? I’m sure the NFL will promise more and better training of its officiating crews. Maybe some referees will be fired. Maybe some will be sanctioned. None of it matters after the fact because even proof that refs were bribed won’t change the outcome. If the game was stolen from the Vikings, they wouldn’t get it back, nor can the game be replayed.
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Monday, January 20th, was a cold, windy day here, so my group’s early morning tee time was skipped in favor of staying home where it’s more comfortable. The news coverage of the 47th United States President started early that morning, with commentator after commentator talking about events as they unfolded, starting with the President-Elect and his family and followers heading to a church service.
I can’t imagine the security detail, especially since there were two assassination attempts before the election. Who knows how many security personnel there were on duty that day because the majority were probably behind the scenes. I’m sure the security efforts began weeks ago. At one point, I counted 15 Chevrolet Suburbans that I’m sure were modified way beyond a stock vehicle.
The entire process was quite a production and lasted hours.
In the end, our 47th President and Vice-President were sworn into office with a heavy security detail present and noticeable.
This is one time I hope many campaign promises are kept – like lowering food costs and ending inflation.
Time will tell.
Have A Good Week!
