Professional Football Officials

PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL OFFICIALS usually maintain tight control of a game. But in 2000, confusion reigned at the conclusion of the Miami Dolphins contest against the New England Patriots.

New England, sporting a lackluster 5–10 record, hosted the Dolphins in the season finale. Trailing 24–17 late in the fourth quarter, Miami mounted an 11-play, 65-yard drive with Lamar Smith plunging over from the 1-yard line.

Two plays later, the Dolphins regained possession on a Zach Thomas interception. Jay Fiedler directed Miami from its own 24 to the New England 31, and Olindo Mare kicked a 49-yard field goal with 15 seconds left to play to put the Dolphins in front 27–24.

Just eight seconds remained when the Patriots took over on offense. Drew Bledsoe appeared to fumble, Miami recovered, the clock ran out, and both teams shook hands and retreated to their locker room. But after a long delay, referee Johnny Grier ruled Bledsoe’s pass as an incompletion and ordered three seconds to be put back on the clock.

By then, most players had removed their equipment and showered, so coaches scrambled to place full teams on the field. Michael Bishop took the final New England snap and threw an incompletion to end the game. Fewer than 100 fans witnessed the final play more than 30 minutes after most thought the contest over.

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POINT Can you think of a stranger way to end a game? Players, coaches, and fans thought the contest was over. No one expected another play, but confused officials changed a call. At least 22 players returned to the field. And even though that last snap could have changed the winner, the pass amounted to nothing.

The day after Christmas often offers a letdown too. Trees seem bare without packages. Gifts don’t sparkle as brightly out of the wrappings. We disappear to the mall to exchange presents or hit the sales. Or we think about the things we didn’t get.

Our relationship with Jesus is never a letdown. He fulfills all our needs and helps us when we call.

GOAL! Plan a special family activity to help others during the week after Christmas. Praise God that his Son never leaves us disappointed.