Criticism costs Cowher
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Steelers coach Bill Cowher was fined $10,000 by the NFL for criticizing replay official Dale Hamer following last weekend’s loss to Cincinnati. Cowher was fined for violating the NFL rules that prohibit public criticism of game officials and league personnel. The coach declined to comment on the fine but has apologized publicly and privately to Hamer.
Hamer did not call for a review of a play in which Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch fumbled at the Bengals’ 10-yard line in the closing seconds of the first half during Pittsburgh’s 24-20 loss.
Cowher felt Batch threw a pass while the officials ruled Batch released the ball behind the line of scrimmage – a lateral that can be recovered by the opposing team, not a forward pass.
Hamer, a longtime NFL on-field official who now works in the replay booth, decided a review wasn’t needed.
When Cowher was told after the game Hamer was in the booth, Cowher replied, “I guess that’s why he’s retired.”
On Tuesday, Cowher said he was glad an official as experienced as Hamer was available to handle replay duties at Steelers’ home games.
In 1995, Cowher was fined $7,500 for stuffing a photograph in referee Gordon McCarter’s shirt pocket as both ran off the field at halftime. Cowher felt the photo proved the Steelers shouldn’t have been called for a penalty for too many men on the field.