NFL owners will vote today on an instant replay
proposal "similar to the 'challenge' system used on an
experimental basis for ten preseason games in 1996,"
according to Len Pasquarelli of the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION.
The proposal allows coaches two replay challenges per game
with the team automatically losing a timeout. NFL
Commissioner Paul Tagliabue: "The feeling among coaches is
that it will be used only a few times per year, in game-
breaking or season-making circumstances." Replay needs 23
votes to pass and Pasquarelli confirms that seven teams are
prepared to vote against replay: Arizona, Buffalo, Chicago,
Cincinnati, Kansas City, Tampa Bay and the Giants.
Pasquarelli: "Typically, however, it is the league's highest
profile owner, Jerry Jones of Dallas, who will grab the
spotlight in what shapes up to be a nail-biter vote"
(ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 3/11). Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, on
the closeness of the vote: "I do have a real problem on this
type of thing, going against such a large group of owners
and managers that want to institute something"
("SportsCenter," ESPN, 3/10). Tagliabue admitted there is
"a continuing philosophical split on instant replay. ... I
expect a lively discussion." The HOUSTON CHRONICLE's John
McClain writes, "Publicly, Tagliabue says he is not taking
sides, but sources say behind the scenes he is twisting arms
to try to get replay passed" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 3/11).
NEWSDAY's Bob Glauber: "Several league executives agreed
with Tagliabue that replay will not garner the required
votes for passage" (NEWSDAY, 3/11). In Minneapolis, Don
Banks: "The odds for passage are not seen as good"
(Minneapolis STAR-TRIBUNE, 3/11). The N.Y. TIMES' Richard
Sandomir, on replay: "Enthusiasm for its renewal failed to
rock the league's annual meetings" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/11).
CNN/SI's Peter King: "I think instant replay has a better
than 50 percent chance of passing" ("CNN/SI," CNN, 3/10).
ADVICE: In N.Y., the TIMES' Dave Anderson calls on
clubs to adopt replay: "Without instant replay, the N.F.L.
has been risking a credibility disaster: the wrong team
winning the Super Bowl on a call that replays show to be
obviously incorrect" (N.Y. TIMES, 3/11). USA TODAY's Gordon
Forbes, a replay opponent: "When the owners vote on replay
today, they should think about the rhythm and pace of the
game. About the long delays" (USA TODAY, 3/11). USA
TODAY's "Debate" focuses on the replay vote. The paper's
editorial states, "It's time to quit looking for new angles
and reverse the call" (USA TODAY, 3/11).
