On Saturday afternoon you probably missed the college football game between Syracuse and Toledo.  This was something less—much less—than a marquee matchup, but what transpired on the field deserves your attention.  In a tight game, Syracuse scored a touchdown and kicked the obligatory extra point.  The referees positioned beneath the crossbar stepped forward and held their arms aloft, declaring the point good.

Only the point wasn’t good—the kicker had missed wide to the left.  No matter, there is review, right?  Inexplicably, the officials in the press box also said the extra point was good.  As the game unfolded, this proved to be the deciding factor in the game.  Syracuse tied the game, took it into overtime, and won 33-30.

Syracuse has been given a gift.  And I don’t mean a victory that they don’t deserve.  Rather, I mean that the Syracuse coaches and administration have been given a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate character and good sportsmanship to their players and, indeed, the whole sporting world.  How classy would it be if Syracuse voluntarily forfeited the game to Toledo?  In a win-at-all-cost world, such a courageous move would be refreshing, to say the least.  More than that, it would put weight behind the words spoken by university presidents and athletic departments everywhere: it is not about money, they say, but about student-athletes and sportsmanship.

Don’t hold your breath.

© Copyright 2011 Larry A. Taunton