Chargers Could Have Key Role in Deciding Instant Replay Fate
The Chargers could play a major role in the imminent decision on the future of the controversial use of instant replay as an officiating aid.
A vote on whether to continue with usage of the replay could come as early as today at the annual National Football League owners’ meetings. And it appears the Chargers have decided to abandon the support for the replay they have shown in past years.
“I’m teetering on it (the replay),” Charger owner Alex Spanos said Monday.
Steve Ortmayer, the Chargers’ director of football operations, was more blunt. “We feel there have been glitches in the replay system that annually keep coming up,” he said. “They (the league) have said it will be worked out. It’s been three years now and it hasn’t. Both Mr. Spanos and I want to do what’s best for the league. And right now we just don’t see how the replay can aid officiating.”
Asked if that meant the Chargers were leaning toward a “no” vote, Ortmayer said, “That’s a fair read.”
Proponents of continued use of the replay need 21 of the league’s 28 owners to vote yes. Last year the vote was 23-5 in favor of the replay.
Use of the instant replay caused 38 calls to be reversed in 1986, 57 in 1987 and 53 in 1988.
Much of the talk on the first official day of the meetings was of “Euroball,” a plan that calls for the development of a minor league that would feed players into the NFL. Under the terms of the plan, teams would be located in Europe and North America.
“Old World and New World,” as Commissioner Pete Rozelle put it.
Spanos is a member of the league’s long-range planning committee and will have strong input into the future of Euroball, which hasn’t been approved and isn’t projected until 1990 at the earliest.
“Frankly, I’m more interested in Tokyo right now,” Spanos said. Spanos was referring to his hope that the Chargers can play an exhibition game in Japan some time soon.
Early in 1988, there was talk the Chargers might play an exhibition game in Australia. Spanos said that will not happen in 1989.
The deadline for signing unprotected free agents is April 1, but don’t expect the Chargers to make any new offers for available players.
“By and large, we have initiated everything we’re going to initiate,” Ortmayer said.
The Chargers have signed four unprotected free agents from other teams. They are offensive linemen Larry Williams, Joe Caravello, Brett Miller and Joel Patten. They do have several other offers outstanding.