(rebuff on refs just in time for NFL)

Mike “Check out My Mustache as I Explain the Crap Out of this Call” Cary

Referee since – 1995

Big Game – February 3, 2008: Super Bowl XLII New York Giants vs. New England Patriots.  Became the first African American to ref a SuperBowl.  

Highest Playing Experience -  Santa Clara University, Running Back

Day Job – Founder and Co-Owner of Serius Innovation, a manufacturer of ski and snowboard accessories.

Accolades – At the beginning of the 2008 season he tied referee Ed Hochuli for Best Referee as voted on by the NFL Coaches, and because his explanations are way too detailed and lengthy I get excited when I see he will be officiating the game I will be watching.

Ed “Which Way to the Gym?”Hochuli 

Referee since – 1992

Big Games – October 2, 2005: Cardinals vs Niners in MexicoCity, First international regular season game

September 14, 2008: Broncos vs Chargers:  Hochuli blew his whistle early nullifying a game clinching fumble recovery for San Diego, leading to a Charger loss and the placement of his picture on urinals in San Diego bars. (The NFL has implemented a rule change this year, which will help solve this mistake from happening again.)

Highest Playing Experience – Linebacker; UTEP

Day Job – Attorney; Partner of Jones, Helton and Hochuli

Accolades – Like I already said he tied Mike Cary on a coach’s poll for best ref.  After a few blown calls this year I don’t think he will be on the top of that list next year.  

For his work in Law he was given the title of Southwest Super Lawyer in 2007.

Best Explanation of a Non-Call - "There was no foul on the play. It was not a hold. The defender was just overpowered."

Ron “What a Blunder” Winter

Referee since – 1995

Big Blunder…. Whoops I meant, Big Game – January 5, 2003: Wildcard Playoff Game, New York Giants vs San Fransisco.  On the last play of the game the Giants had an opportunity to kick a game winning field goal but botched the hold.  The holder picked it up and ran to the right looking for someone to throw to. An offensive lineman that lined up as an eligible receiver made his way downfield and was open for the pass. As the pass was in the air a San Francisco player tackled the receiver which should have clearly been called pass interference.  This would have been a spot penalty resulting in a chip shot for the win, but there was no call and the game was over.

Commissioner Tagliabue called it the worst officiating blunder he had seen in his years as the commissioner. 

AND! Yes I might have had lost some money on this game.

Day Job – Professor at Western Michigan University

Highest Playing Experience - Of course this guy doesn't have any.

Accolades - NOPE! but he probably got something special from the Niners after the gift he gave them.