College football needs a dose of integrity

The officiating in the championship game was an absolute disgrace, a black eye for college football and an insult to anyone who cares about the integrity of the game.

An Alabama player belly-flops onto a pile after a Georgia player is tackled. No call. There is actually a name for that penalty. It is called piling on. An Alabama player grabs a Georgia player’s face mask. No call. An Alabama player pushes down on a Georgia player’s head after a tackle. No call. Georgia is incorrectly called for off-side after blocking a punt. The momentum of two Georgia drives are stalled so that one referee can review another referee’s work. Maybe it’s really a diversion to sell us stuff via commercials.

And can we not agree on what a catch is? When the ball is in the air and a player prevents it from hitting the ground whether he traps it with his feet, hands or other part of his body. It’s a catch.

College football and college sports in general are supposed to be part of the education experience. A forum for learning important life skills like commitment, cooperation, teamwork, patience, persistence. Instead, college football

has become a show. Entertainment. Do whatever sells.

What did the kids playing or watching learn last night? Win at all costs.

College football has been heading down the path of pro football for some time now. I lost interest in professional football when I couldn’t discern if I was watching the NFL or the WWF. For the sake of the players, the schools and the fans, I hope we can find a way to maintain the integrity of the game. I fear it is slipping away. MARK SALTSMAN, MILTON