Sports - What Would Ed Hochuli Do?

Everyone knows Ed Hochuli is one of the most respected and feared refs in the league. He has worked two Super Bowls and many playoff games during his 19-year career. He also is perhaps the league’s most recognized official thanks to a physique that’s more jacked than some players.

Trailing 38-31, the Broncos had driven to the Chargers 1-yard line in the final minute. On second and goal, quarterback Jay Cutler rolled right and cocked his arm back to throw. Before his arm went forward, the ball fell out in what appeared to be a fumble. Hochuli, however, blew his whistle before San Diego recovered and ruled it an incomplete pass.

Replays clearly showed Cutler had fumbled, but because Hochuli had blown his whistle, he had no choice except to place the ball at the spot where it hit the ground. Instant replay rules do not allow the opponent to gain possession in those situations.

Two plays later, Cutler completed a four-yard pass to rookie wide receiver Eddie Royal to cut the lead to one. Broncos Coach Mike Shanahan elected to try the two-point conversion, and Denver converted when Cutler completed a throw to Royal for the final margin.

Hochuli admitted his error on the field and to Chargers Coach Norv Turner, who was not satisfied with the explanation.

“Ed came over, the official, and said he blew it. And that’s not acceptable to me,” Turner told reporters. “This is a high-level performance game, and that’s not acceptable to have a game decided on that play.”

Norv, some friendly advice - just let it go. You really don’t want a piece of Ed Hochuli. He can snap your neck by squeezing them with his eyelids.