WAC suspends SJSU-UH officials

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

San Jose State football coach Fitz Hill "complimented" the Western Athletic Conference for suspending the officiating crew that worked the University of Hawai'i's controversial 13-10 victory Saturday, but said, "...My heart aches for my team, especially my seniors, whose opportunity to advance to post-season play was eliminated by several officiating errors and not settled on the football field."

WAC commissioner Karl Benson, in conjunction with supervisor of football officials Jim Blackwood, yesterday suspended the seven-man crew that worked the game, citing "several officiating errors on the final play of the game."

A statement released by the conference office in Englewood, Colo., said, "time had not expired and San Jose State should have had the opportunity to run one more play from the Hawai'i one-yard line."

Referee Gene Semko had ruled Saturday that Spartans quarterback Scott Rislov's spike of the ball came after the officials' clock (not the stadium clock) had expired and signalled the game over.

The officiating crew will receive a one-game suspension and the seven officials will not be considered for any postseason assignments, the WAC said in the release.

UH coach June Jones declined comment, saying, "I'm not supposed to say anything." He didn't say who ordered him not to comment.

The WAC, after reviewing tape of the game and statements by the officiating crew and San Jose State, said the following errors were made:

• On the next-to-last play, a San Jose State player held a UH player, which should have brought a holding call.

• When the San Jose State receiver fell short of the goal line on that play, a UH player slapped the ball away, which should have brought a delay of game penalty.

• On the final play, more than one San Jose State player was not set, which should have brought an illegal motion penalty.

• Before Rislov spiked the ball, he attempted to run, which should have brought a penalty for an illegal pass.

• The referee overturned the stadium clock.

The WAC said Semko's report indicated that the back judge, who was identified as Bob Taylor in the game summary, timed the last two minutes.

Benson said: "The WAC has a long tradition of outstanding officiating and we believe our current staff of officials are as good as those in any other conference. However, when errors are made, especially those that may have impact on the outcome of the game, it is necessary to hold officials accountable for those mistakes."

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.