TheWiseOldFart

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart It’s easy to do the “popular” or “politically correct” thing. It takes enormous courage to do what is right; to fight for your beliefs. I live in Northern Nevada and was privileged to live here when Colin Kaepernick was the quarterback for the University of Nevada’s Wolfpack. He played for three seasons, 2008-2011, leading his team to a 13-1 record and the WAC championship in his final year. His collegiate career produced more than 40,000 passing yards and more than 10,000 rushing yards, 82 passing touchdowns and 59 running. His passing and rushing yards stand alone in collegiate history. Kaepernick was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. Less than two years later, he led his team to the NFC championship, and a berth in Super Bowl XLVII. His opponent was the Baltimore Ravens. The game was competitive until the very end. The 49ers needed a touchdown to win. Kaepernick drove his team inside the red zone with less than two minutes remaining. He rifled a pas...

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart   I watched a lot of NFL football this weekend. I am positive that the league officials I watched refused to go to the NFL sponsored school and instead attended clown college. Overall they were inept and on occasion altered the outcome of a few games. I doubt that most football fans realize that there are no “professional” referees in the NFL. All of them have full-time jobs. Officiating is a “second job” for all of them. They are not trained or held accountable as are the officials in Major League Baseball or the NBA. I have seen playoff games and even Super Bowls lost or won because of the decision of officials who were not watching the same game I was. This is not just wrong, it’s criminal. Roger Goodell’s team cannot be criticized without receiving serious punishment. I began complaining about NFL officials after watching a New England Patriot’s game years ago. What I saw was very upsetting, and why I no longer make bets on NFL games, although I live in ...