No wonder Southeastern Conference defenses have been the rage this season. Check out these video frames sent to us by reader Jon. Louisiana State is caught with a 12th defender on the field Saturday night against South Carolina, but it somehow went unnoticed by the officials. Video of the play is at the bottom.
Update: Joe Person of the Columbia State reports that the Wilbur Hackett Jr., the umpire involved in the play, was a three-year starter at linebacker for Kentucky in the late-1960s.
So let me get this straight: I haven't looked in the rule books, but I'm 100% sure a ref hitting a player is illegal. Anyone not intelligent enough to understand that? And if you're a true fan than be behind the rules that make it the game it is. Oh yeah, and the ref ran forward TOWARDS the player, not away from him, after he clearly saw him and his running route. So reevaluate yourself if you believe it was an accident.
Posted by: Dustin | October 21, 2008 at 12:00 AM
All you guys are gay.
Posted by: billy bathgate | October 21, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Oh that's fuckin funny how it happened, I was watching the game. Had it saved so I kept watching that part, funny though..
There was also another clear path, AWAY from the field, and atleast as the qb ran, he could of jolted out of the way, he was ironically a linebacker in his younger years?
I don't really believe that it is accidental, nor personal.
Just out of the ordinary, and rather stupid of the ref to do...
KICK HIS ASS!
FOR SEC!
FOR WIN!
FOR SPARTA!
Posted by: Simple | October 21, 2008 at 12:43 AM
I dunno, after watching it a few times it kinda looks like the Ump saved this kid from a pretty devastating hit from the defender in the same spot.
I can't say that it didn't look intentional though, he moved right in there.
Posted by: Mike Hype | October 21, 2008 at 05:15 AM
Hahahahahahaha, that guy got flatened...by a referee. We need more refs like that.
Posted by: Makar | October 21, 2008 at 05:15 AM
Its disconcerting to see the number of total morons who weigh in on tis issue. Sad to think that such stereotypes of football fans are validated. Nice stalking by this ref - who, incidentally, needs to be fired.
Posted by: Johnnie | October 21, 2008 at 05:48 AM
I was a official a few years ago, but have retired from it. First off this was intentional... The Umpire was way out of position to begin with. If you can't tell this was intentional you need to be checked. I have officiated many games and haven't seen anything like this. This is wrong... And he should never be involved in anymore football games period!
Posted by: Old Ref | October 21, 2008 at 05:58 AM
the spammers that keep numbering innocense are delusional. If the ref had kept his position he would have been in better position to see the play unfold. By moving into the action as he did, he made himself a part of the action. That was totally intentional, and can't be enterpreted any other way.
Posted by: davl1943 | October 21, 2008 at 06:20 AM
Cool. Espionage in football. Maybe South Carolina should secretly engage a cheerleader as a running back?
Posted by: Wild Bird | October 21, 2008 at 06:20 AM
The good old USA. Too many people running there mouth and not knowing what the hell they're talking about. This a fake, all of you that think that, are idiots. Don't worry about Billy John's comment, people that make comments like that are just stirring the pot. Too much time on his hands. Only a dumb ass would make a statement like that. This ref should be fired. Period!
Posted by: Gus | October 21, 2008 at 06:21 AM
Cool. Espionage in football. Maybe South Carolina should secretly engage a cheerleader as a running back?
Posted by: Wild Bird | October 21, 2008 at 06:21 AM
The good old USA. Too many people running there mouth and not knowing what the hell they're talking about. This a fake, all of you that think that, are idiots. Don't worry about Billy John's comment, people that make comments like that are just stirring the pot. Too much time on his hands. Only a dumb ass would make a statement like that. This ref should be fired. Period!
Posted by: Gus | October 21, 2008 at 06:23 AM
Pssshhhhh What yall dont see is that the QB actually said somethin bout the refs mama and he aint gon take that not for one split lickety minute. so he straight up bopped dude in tha grill. well deserved hit. sportscenter top play. dig it.
Posted by: Cletus McTunnelberg Richaldson | October 21, 2008 at 07:23 AM
I LIKE TULTLES!!
Posted by: Jonathan Zombie Kid | October 21, 2008 at 12:46 PM
wat a bunch of retard!! do u guys not see the ref wait and then step forward to hit him?? if it was an accidental collision then the ref should be the one on the ground. hacketts posture even looks like a line backer! jeez
Posted by: | October 21, 2008 at 01:10 PM
I think its funny! Who cares if it was on purpose or not it didn't cost the game and the Gamecocks are always looking for an out at why they lose anyway.
Posted by: Clemson Fan | October 21, 2008 at 02:18 PM
this was not fake at all, it was on espn's sport center. dont you guys watch tv? highlights anyone???
Posted by: chuck | October 21, 2008 at 02:58 PM
"You have to protect yourself at all times."
Posted by: Fred | October 21, 2008 at 05:34 PM
The game is NOT "kill the guy with the ball". With a fan base possessed of intellect like this one might imagine this is WWF, not "collegiate football". Anyway, stuff like this happens, it is part of the game. Field referees are on the playing field, they get hit by players sometimes, or with the ball, or fists, or cleats.... so what? At least it isn't as tiresome as reading many of the comments has been.
Posted by: Naea | October 21, 2008 at 05:47 PM
And the ref took him out all without pads too!
ROLL TIDE!
Posted by: AlaRolltide | October 21, 2008 at 06:19 PM
You guys are rediculous. Fire him? Are you kidding me? Your talking about someones job. Its how he makes money and lives. Its a lot more complex then "IF THEY DONT FIRE HIM THEY ARE MORONS". Yea big deal deal he hit the QB, the guy was about to get tackled anyway. Not to mention it has to be brutal tyring to avoid 300 pound guys in pads AND officiate. Have some sympathy.
Posted by: Chris | October 22, 2008 at 05:44 PM