Letter to the Editor: Show some class and good sportsmanship

Dear Editor,

In all my 52 years of officiating football and basketball, from middle school to JUCO basketball games at NWC in Powell, my biggest concern has been focused on player safety and good sportsmanship. I am refering to the Oregon D coach’s move to score another touchdown vs. Texas Tech in the NCAA college football playoffs.

With 17 seconds remaining in the game and a 16-0 lead, the ball was on the one-foot line. Instead of showing some class and good sportsmanship by taking a knee, Oregon chose to run the ball and score another worthless touchdown. What if the shoe was on the other foot and Oregon on the losing end?

The touchdown only served to “rub it in your face” and accomplished nothing. I am a firm believer in “What goes around comes around.” Why some coaches have this “macho” attitude is beyond comprehension.

The goal is to win the game, but why not show some class and respect to your opponent when the contest is clearly a victory?

Joe White, Lovell

Longtime sports official