Replay Versus Reality
When Referees Can Hit Rewind
Though I’ve never been much interested in sports, I recollect the early days of instant replay. When a disputed play occurred, referees could review what happened and, sometimes, revise a call.
Was there a foul? Did the basketball shot leave the air in time to be counted? Did the baseball player’s foot actually touch home plate?
Instead of debating it in circles, instant replay offered something unprecedented: the option of seeing what really happened. Sports teams felt certain that calls of all kinds could be fairly reviewed. Initial referee decisions could be changed. At last, we’d have proof about who was right.
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