The post on BB officiating got me thinking about college officiating in general. I think we can all agree SEC FB is POOR enough. But that brought back a TENNESSEE officiating story from the 50s of huge consequence you may find interesting.
Years back a friend and member of my foursome’s dad was involved with perhaps the most controversial Tennessee call ever, almost certainly the most hated. The officials were escorted out of what would become Neyland stadium for their protection under armed guard after the game.
At the time Walter “Beef” Hoffman was a young lawyer and former college lineman that moonlighted a season a college FB official on Saturdays during the season. He later became a highly respected federal judge with the well earned reputation as being tough as nails. His decision was pivotal in the integration of the Norfolk school system. He was a larger than life figure that had the bulk of a former college lineman and a gruff no nonsense exterior. His constant companion on the golf course and other places, a cigar only made him all the more memorable. He was actually a nice man and quite likeable.
I knew him although not well but I do know some of his thoughts on that day. I don’t believe he was ever afraid of anything and I am 100% sure he was never intimidated by anybody or anything. But that was an uncomfortable and unnerving position for him.
Quit edit, almost forgot. I think he threw the flag but for sure he was in the crew that called back what would have been the winning touchdown against Bama.
Years back a friend and member of my foursome’s dad was involved with perhaps the most controversial Tennessee call ever, almost certainly the most hated. The officials were escorted out of what would become Neyland stadium for their protection under armed guard after the game.
At the time Walter “Beef” Hoffman was a young lawyer and former college lineman that moonlighted a season a college FB official on Saturdays during the season. He later became a highly respected federal judge with the well earned reputation as being tough as nails. His decision was pivotal in the integration of the Norfolk school system. He was a larger than life figure that had the bulk of a former college lineman and a gruff no nonsense exterior. His constant companion on the golf course and other places, a cigar only made him all the more memorable. He was actually a nice man and quite likeable.
I knew him although not well but I do know some of his thoughts on that day. I don’t believe he was ever afraid of anything and I am 100% sure he was never intimidated by anybody or anything. But that was an uncomfortable and unnerving position for him.
Quit edit, almost forgot. I think he threw the flag but for sure he was in the crew that called back what would have been the winning touchdown against Bama.
