Last week, a high school in Mississippi–and their P. A. announcer–made the news when some things were said over the P. A. system that shouldn’t have, leading to a rare ejection of an announcer.

Bama Hammer: D’iberville High School Announcer Tossed By Refs

The comment in question from David Kelly, from eyewitness Julie Russell, was, “see George County you aren’t the only ones who get bad calls.”

We’ll get to the call in a minute and explain why the officials asked the announcer to leave.  This statement, wasn’t just a verbal “attack” on the officials for making the call, it was also a little bit of poor sportsmanship to their opponents.  There were three teams on the field, and the announcer did his best to alienate two of them, though it very well could have been unintentional.

It’s not uncommon for amateur, or single-sport announcers to get a little too close to the action and caught up in the emotions of the game.  We can’t speak to Kelly’s experience because we’ve never met him, but sometimes emotions get the better of you, and yes, he crossed the proverbial line.  We hope Kelly is back in the booth with another chance.  Again, we don’t know if this is a typical of his actions, this is the first incident we’ve heard.

The call that led to the comment, was a touchdown-nullifying sideline-interference call.

“Now I know the PA announcer is supposed to be neutral, but that’s a pretty extreme call for the refs to have made,” said Charles Evans who broke the story last week.  “Honestly I love David Kelley’s passion for the D’iberville Warriors.”

Well, no, the announcer should show some favoritism for the home game, it’s called home-field advantage for a reason.  And there’s no doubt Kelly showed his passion for the sport and his team, however he did go a little too far.

“The refs had just called sideline interference against D’iberville and called back a touchdown,” Evans reported.  “Calling back a touchdown for sideline interference? Come on, man!”

Funny this is brought up because a similar situation nearly happened at a game in Chantilly, Virginia last Friday.  However, the call was right and sideline interference can cause some serious injuries.  The rule is in the book for one reason, and one reason only.  Safety.  Players running full speed down the sideline should know that they have a clear path in front of them, and that the only contact for them will be from one side or behind.  Not from a “safe zone”.  A blindside hit can cause a lot of damage to a player and alter a young person’s life before they really had a chance to start it.There is a very large white box to indicate where to, and where not to stand.  Players, who can get caught in the emotion too, need to make sure they’re standing where they need be.  Coaches too.  So, yes, sideline interference calling back a touchdown, we’ve seen it and agree with it for many reasons.