Challenge Flag A Real Blow To Ref’s Self-Esteem

As an NFL official, Jerome Boger expects the rulings he makes on the field to be just that, official. For that reason it was a real blow to his self-esteem when, following a call he made, a challenge flag was thrown this past Sunday.

Boger was very excited to be officiating the Patriots matchup with the Buccaneers because he and Patriots’ coach Bill Belichick are long time friends. The possibility of sharing a post game beer or two with his old buddy had Boger optimistic this was going to be a great night, because as Boger puts it, “Spending time with friends is nice.” 

Then it happened, late in the 4th quarter after making an inconsequential call, Boger’s oldest and dearest friend challenged the ruling. Boger tells us he was completely blindsided, “I thought, ‘Wait? A challenge? But I’m officially official. And we’re friends?! How could you do this to me? On TV no less! You know I get this at home, I’m never right, I’m always being challenged by my wife, daughter, even my condo association…’ But… Here on this field I’m OFFICIAL.”    

The challenge flag, which is appropriately colored red, is a coach’s way of saying, “I don’t trust you,” to a referee, as Boger sees it, “it’s just a petty way to try to undermine us.”  While he tried to remain professional his emotions quickly got the best of him as cameras caught a single tear running down his cheek as he reviewed the play. 

In the end, Boger got his redemption, as a call from New York confirmed the ruling on the field was correct, prompting Boger to shed another single tear, this time a tear of joy.  And the cherry on top was that Belichick was now out of challenges, bringing Boger extra joy. Unfortunately though, Bill and Boger never did get that beer. Next time Bill and Boger, next time.