Monday, September 25, 2006
Tiger Nation, Forgive J.C. Louderback
The hatred directed at J.C. Louderback, head official for the infamous 5th down game, simply has to come to an end. All of this has been conjured up by the OU-Oregon controversy and got me doing a little digging.
I've read stories throughout the years about how he was overcome with remorse, had many sleepless nights and dwelled on his mistake day after day. 16 years later, he's no closer to closure.
The thing about officials is their mistakes are scrutinized by impassioned people with the luxury of a remote control, holed up in the safe confines of anonymity. I listened to the 5th down unfold on the radio while I sat in my car. I had pulled over and couldn't believe what I was listening to. The aftermath for me was more of just amazement. I marveled at what took place.
But what fan's life has ever changed because a team won or lost a game? Had Missouri won that game, great. I'd have driven home and made my kid dinner. I remember that afternoon well. When I pulled over to listen to the end of the game, it was at a park and I watched my daughter climb around on a play set. We went home, I made her something to eat, she had a bath and I read her some books. Eventually I tucked her into bed. Missouri lost, I drove home, made my kid dinner, and you know the rest. Folks, it's entertainment.
The mistakes I know people have made...mistakes that have cost lives. I know of one grandfather who took his six year old granddaughter fishing. The trailer slipped loose and she was crushed. Unimaginable grief.
For Louderback, a call at a football game was a life-changing moment. Nobody lives mistake-free, but nobody deserves to be crucified for an honest mistake in a game. Read the article. He still hears about that game. He still has a sack of hate mail. He still feels the same churning in his stomach he felt 16 years ago.
If you find your life's meaning and happiness in the outcome of a game, take a second look. For the Louderbacks, my heart goes out to them. A good man made a mistake that didn't cost anyone a thing other than a little fleeting happiness.
I've read stories throughout the years about how he was overcome with remorse, had many sleepless nights and dwelled on his mistake day after day. 16 years later, he's no closer to closure.
The thing about officials is their mistakes are scrutinized by impassioned people with the luxury of a remote control, holed up in the safe confines of anonymity. I listened to the 5th down unfold on the radio while I sat in my car. I had pulled over and couldn't believe what I was listening to. The aftermath for me was more of just amazement. I marveled at what took place.
But what fan's life has ever changed because a team won or lost a game? Had Missouri won that game, great. I'd have driven home and made my kid dinner. I remember that afternoon well. When I pulled over to listen to the end of the game, it was at a park and I watched my daughter climb around on a play set. We went home, I made her something to eat, she had a bath and I read her some books. Eventually I tucked her into bed. Missouri lost, I drove home, made my kid dinner, and you know the rest. Folks, it's entertainment.
The mistakes I know people have made...mistakes that have cost lives. I know of one grandfather who took his six year old granddaughter fishing. The trailer slipped loose and she was crushed. Unimaginable grief.
For Louderback, a call at a football game was a life-changing moment. Nobody lives mistake-free, but nobody deserves to be crucified for an honest mistake in a game. Read the article. He still hears about that game. He still has a sack of hate mail. He still feels the same churning in his stomach he felt 16 years ago.
If you find your life's meaning and happiness in the outcome of a game, take a second look. For the Louderbacks, my heart goes out to them. A good man made a mistake that didn't cost anyone a thing other than a little fleeting happiness.
Iam4Mizzou # # 7:56 PM 
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