Force and referees defeat Gladiators
Adam Lieberman
Sunday February 19, 2006
Steve Konopka, who serves as the Gladiators union rep, pointed out that throughout the game Force players were lining up in the neutral zone. Konopka, who is injured with an angle injury, has pictures on his cellular phone to prove it and plans on sending them to league officials for their review.
Las Vegas Gladiators coach Ron James agreed, "Officiating was part of the frustration and I think the league needs to address that and I will be talking with league officials."
After every game, coaches file a game report to the league office and James plans on pointing out the good and bad of this officiating crew.
No Gladiator was more outspoken on the situation than OS Marcus Nash. "It was absolutely ridiculous," Nash said. "Every single play, I was getting held. We have to be accountable for what we say; they have to have some kind of accountability for what they do."
"Fine me or whatever, but something needs to be done about it, man. Maybe (the back judge) was an old DB or something that couldn't make it."
Attempts were made to interview James Cole, who served as the back judge for the game, but according to AFL rules, officials are not allowed to speak with the media.
Despite his disappointment with the officials, Nash, who caught 8 passes for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns, was quick to point out that the Force played a good game and didn’t want to take anything away from them.
Las Vegas QB Craig Whelihan finished the evening completing 25 of 48 passes for 323 yards and 4 scores, but also threw 3 key interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns by Georgia DS Chris Brown.
Las Vegas Gladiator’s owner Jim Ferraro said he had seen enough with Whelihan and that Jason Fife would be getting the start next week in Dallas.
James pointed out, "If you notice our transactions, every time we lose a game, somebody either goes home or something gets changed. And I'm not waiting around. I'm going to be aggressive about this thing. I'm going to make sure we've got the right people playing."
Could there be a quarterback controversy brewing? Only time will tell, but they will see a familiar quarterback next week when they travel to Dallas to take on former Gladiator Clint Dolezel and the rest of the Desperados.
Adam Lieberman currently is a Concierge in Las Vegas and is the former president of the Gladiators booster club. He holds a communications degree from San Diego State University and has been a season ticket holder since the team moved to Las Vegas five years ago.
