Lawyer/referee marked down for bad call

Many football fans already knew referee Ed Hochuli before Sunday, when he made headlines for incorrectly whistling dead a fumble by the Denver Broncos’ Jay Cutler that was recovered by the San Diego Chargers in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. (Cutler’s “pass” was called incomplete by rule; the Broncos scored soon after and pulled off a come-from-behind victory.)

Hochuli, a Phoenix defense attorney who has officiated two Super Bowls, is legendary for his precise explanations of penalties – and his massive upper body, which practically bursts through his uniform. A player could get seriously injured if he stands in Hochuli’s way when Hochuli signals first down.

Hochuli has been “marked down” for his botched call by the National Football League, which uses the grading system to determine playoff assignments and evaluate job performance. Hochuli himself is also seeking penance, personally apologizing in response to e-mails he received from irate Chargers fans, leading at least one sports columnist in San Diego to praise Hochuli for owning up to his actions.

Less than a year ago, Hochuli compared being a trial lawyer to being a referee:

A trial is nothing, pressure-wise, compared to the NFL. … I have that long (he snaps his fingers) to make a decision with a million people watching and second-guessing (by video) in slow-motion. You’ve got to be right or wrong. I love the satisfaction when you are right — and the agony when you are wrong.”

Guess we know how he’s feeling this week. Stay strong No. 85!