This is a photo of young Stein as a Texas Roller Derby referee, along with 3 of my favorite TXRD refs. That is a genuine smile too - I tend not to smile unless it is genuine. I had so much fun.
I also have a band-aid on my forehead, and I'm pretty sure I remember where it came from. I don't think I can tell that story publicly, but I'll gladly tell it privately if you ask me. It was not derby-related.
One of my favorite memories officiating a bout (game) was a moment in which I failed. Aside from Head Ref, the role of Point Ref is one of the more difficult roles on the crew. You have to focus on the jammer as they pass members of the opposing team, count how many people they pass, and make sure you don't count the same person twice. You have to communicate with your fellow point ref as to which jammer is legally ahead of the other. This all happens very quickly, as these women are super talented.
Anyhow, during one of these bouts, I was following the great Rocky Casbah as the jammer. For no good reason at all - I accidentally blew the whistle too early - thus ending the jam and opportunity for more points.
As the wind passed through my lips and into the whistle I visibly flinched, like I was dodging a frisbee thrown at my head. I knew I had fucked up. At this moment Rocky was looking right at me to make sure she was the lead-jammer, saw that I flinched, and immediately skated to the center of the rink to protest the call with all the zeal she played the game with. Which was a lot.
I gave her a nod as if to say "I know I fucked up," but I couldn't fix the call. I had to maintain a calm and confident stance for the rest of the bout - I had to be a goldfish.
The Cherry Bombs went on to (I think... I hope?) win, and I was able to properly apologize afterwards at the bar.
The point is - refs are humans. I wish it were okay for referees to offer apologies for missed/poor calls. Unfortunately, in this culture that is seen as a weakness and would result in their ouster. That must be tough for zebras to carry around.
My Documented Predictions Update
I went 7-5 last week. I am now 75 - 51 (60% winning percentage) with documented predictions. I'm hoping I do better this week, unless it remains legal to tackle MVS before he catches the ball.
Thursday Night
New England Patriots (2-10) at Pittsburg Steelers (7-5)
Everyone says bet the under on this one, and the chalk agrees. I think Belichick gets one here though, the Steelers still have enough of a schedule to finish (barely) with a winning record.
Patriots win 27 - 21
Sunday Morning
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) at Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
I need Bijan Robinson to score multiple touchdowns in this game. For that to happen he needs to get the ball. With his back up against the wall, does Arthur Smith have any other option?
Falcons win 34 - 28
Detroit Lions (9-3) at Chicago Bears (4-8)
Detroit scored 21 points in the first quarter last week, only to let the Saints make it a game. They remind me of the Cowboys too much.
My guest picker this week is aunt Di Di, who is my favorite aunt! Di Di says Lions over Bears 28 - 17.
I wish I could agree...
Bears win 36 - 30
Indianapolis Colts (7-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (6-6)
The Colts made it interesting last week. Gardner Minshew definitely owns a Pendleton sweater from The Big Lebowski. He is a dude for sure.
Jake Browning looks like he knows what he's doing now, though.
Bengals win 27 - 17
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) at Cleveland Browns (7-5)
So much was made about Trevor Lawrence walking down the tunnel with a seemingly serious injury. How do you allow your franchise QB refuse a cart in this situation? That is like putting a 100 dollar bill through the washer, then putting a match to it to see if it is water proof.
Apparently he might still play this week. Doesn't matter, Joe Flacco is just getting started.
Browns win 23 - 17
Carolina Panthers (1-11) at New Orleans Saints (5-7)
I think this is the game the Panthers get after firing their coach. Especially if Jameis Winston plays. There will be no W's to eat.
Panthers win 26 - 18
Houston Texans (7-5) at New York Jets (4-8)
Tank Dell had his season ended, mostly because I started him in fantasy for the first time all season. I'm sorry Tank. I'm a fan. I'll keep you for next year.
The person who "leaked" the fact that Zach Wilson doesn't want to play behind the worst O-line in the NFL got a good talking to from Aaron Rodgers on the Pat McAfee show. That's like telling the freshman in your frat he's going to get kicked out if he mentions hazing.
Jets win 19 - 17
Los Angeles Rams (6-6) at Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
Everyone says the Ravens are the best team in the NFL - I say they will be until the playoffs.
Ravens win 37 - 24
Sunday Afternoon
Minnesota Vikings (6-6) at Las Vegas Raiders (5-7)
Justin Jefferson should be back this week, which for fantasy managers is either way too late or just in time. Everyone wishes they picked Tyreek Hill first no matter what.
Vikings win 31-30
Seattle Seahawks (6-6) at San Francisco 49er's (9-3)
Geno Smith played great last week. The last play against the Cowboys last week proved it - even though he didn't get the first down - he avoided getting destroyed by an unblocked Micah Parsons. That's impressive.
Unfortunately San Francisco has the two best DE's in the league.
49er's win 31 - 21
Denver Broncos (6-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-7)
I put all my chips on Herbert this season in fantasy leagues, and he has been letting me down recently. Kellen Moore wants to open this thing up so bad. I bet he got chewed out for that sweet mid-field backwards pass from Keenan Allen to Austin Ekeler.
Chargers win 32 - 27
Sunday Night
Dallas Cowboys (9-3) at Philadelphia Iggles (10-2)
I still refuse to call Cowboys games - BUT - my guest picker this week (aunt Di Di) has called this game. She says Cowboys win 24-21. She is a Packers fan. Go Packers.
Monday Night
Tennessee Titans (4-8) at Miami Dolphins (9-3)
Why are there two Monday Night games? I won't complain about more football.
Dolphins win 48 - 17
Green Bay Packers (6-6) at New York Giants (4-8)
Go Pack GO! If ya'll keep it up we might see a Cowboys - Packers Wildcard game. That would be awesome.
Packers win 30 - 10
Taylor Swift NFL Prediction Update
I'm 5 - 0 when global warming isn't in the picture. Go Time Person of the year!
Rock and roll,
-Stein
תגובות