Because the league was quick to go into full Frank Drebin denial mode, and because we’ve moved onto other things since then, the controversy over what veteran referee Ed Hochuli did or did not say to Cam Newton has largely gone away.
In most places, anyway.
According to Albert Breer of the NFL Network, Newton and the Panthers aren’t the only ones upset that Hochuli might have different standards for different quarterbacks because of age.
Another team with a “young franchise quarterback” also had a similar experience with Hochuli, according to Breer’s report. That team’s quarterback was told he was too young to get borderline calls, which meshes with Newton saying Hochuli told him he was “not old enough” two weeks ago.
Perhaps Hochuli says some of these things in jest to players, and has enough of a relationship with some that it could be construed as good-natured ribbing. But even a cursory look at the video of Hochuli’s interaction with Newton undermines the notion he was kidding, as Hochuli was stone-faced when Newton reacted visibly.
Whether or not Hochuli’s just an out-of-touch old guy trying to make jokes with the youngsters, someone needs to look around the rug to see if any other quarterbacks who lack AARP cards have been swept under there.
Cam Newton’s not the only one too young for Ed Hochuli calls
In most places, anyway.
According to Albert Breer of the NFL Network, Newton and the Panthers aren’t the only ones upset that Hochuli might have different standards for different quarterbacks because of age.
Another team with a “young franchise quarterback” also had a similar experience with Hochuli, according to Breer’s report. That team’s quarterback was told he was too young to get borderline calls, which meshes with Newton saying Hochuli told him he was “not old enough” two weeks ago.
Perhaps Hochuli says some of these things in jest to players, and has enough of a relationship with some that it could be construed as good-natured ribbing. But even a cursory look at the video of Hochuli’s interaction with Newton undermines the notion he was kidding, as Hochuli was stone-faced when Newton reacted visibly.
Whether or not Hochuli’s just an out-of-touch old guy trying to make jokes with the youngsters, someone needs to look around the rug to see if any other quarterbacks who lack AARP cards have been swept under there.
Cam Newton’s not the only one too young for Ed Hochuli calls
