Ed Hochuli received hate mail over blown Chargers-Broncos call
Ed Hochuli, the referee that blew the call in last Sunday’s Chargers-Broncos game, is receiving hate mail from angry San Diego fans.
“I’m getting hundreds of e-mails — hate mail — but I’m responding to it all,” Hochuli wrote to several Chargers fans, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. “People deserve a response. You can rest assured that nothing anyone can say can make me feel worse than I already feel about my mistake on the fumble play. You have no idea … Affecting the outcome of a game is a devastating feeling. Officials strive for perfection — I failed miserably. Although it does no good to say it, I am very, very sorry.”
It’s not surprising that Hochuli is receiving hate mail, but that doesn’t mean it makes it any less ridiculous. It’s a freaking football game. He made a mistake and yes he’s a profession who blew what should have been an easy call, but everyone makes mistakes. This guy doesn’t make enough money referring games to receive (presumably) personal attacks on his character. Charger fans have every right to be upset, but maybe they should focus their energy on why San Diego’s defense allowed Jay Cutler to throw for 350 yards and four touchdowns. Or why Brandon Marshall was able to catch 18 passes on what was supposed to be a solid secondary.
For Hochuli’s sake, I hope the Chargers rebound and cruise to a playoff berth. Because if San Diego fans are anything like Cubs fans are, they’ll turn Hochuli into the next Steve Bartman.
He’s one of the best in the biz, and he gets this kind of grief over one blown call?
Haters beware: Hochuli could probably beat up 3/4 of the people who are sending him hate mail. Although he doesn’t look quite as ripped as in past years.
He deserves credit for admitting his mistake, though Charger fans are naturally upset.
I was thinking the same thing Jamey! His arms don’t appear to be the pythons they used to be…
Hmm…does the NFL test its refs too?
Ed Hochuli is the best in the business! San Diego fans should ask the team why they put themselves in a position to lose the game on one play call? Even two if you count the equipment malfunction in the first quarter, which by the way wasn,t his fault. Maybe the hatred started there? As for the hate mail, why don’t you people get a life! The guy is human after all.
He messed up. Then he manned up – right away – no whining and no BS excuses.
It sounds like he’s continuing to man up.
Ed calls a good game in my opinion. I understand SD fans being torqued, but hate mail?
It all stems from Norv Turner’s assholishness. The SD fans saw him acting like a spoiled brat that didn’t get his way in the press conference after the game and took his lead.
What Jeff says ………..
Charger fans have every right to be upset, but maybe they should focus their energy on why San Diego’s defense allowed Jay Cutler to throw for 350 yards and four touchdowns. Or why Brandon Marshall was able to catch 18 passes on what was supposed to be a solid secondary.