Shutdown Corner - NFL

Shutdown Corner

Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:08 pm EST

When officials attack: Umpire lowers the boom on Kenneth Darby

By MJD

Sometimes an official, through no fault of his own, will get caught up in the middle of a play and inadvertently make contact with a player. Sometimes an official just feels like making a tackle. Sometimes an official is concerned that a player has been programmed to kill the Queen of England and is forced to take matters into his own hands.

Whatever happened yesterday, here are some terrific action shots of NFL umpire Lieutenant Frank Drebin Garth DeFelice taking out Rams running back Kenneth Darby yesterday. Getty Images photographer Dilip Vishwanat was johnny-on-the-spot yesterday, and the world thanks him for it.

And here's video of the incident over at BallHype and seven other sports blogs.

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2776 Comments

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  1. packattack
    1. Posted by packattack Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:27 pm EDT

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    Looks like he could start for the lions defence
    GO PACK GO !
  2. Daxius
    2. Posted by Daxius Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:58 pm EDT

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    Awesome stills!
    However, as much as these pictures rock, yet another example of how photos can make some look completely different than it actually is.
    I'm sure in real time, the play looked harmless, but pause the play and it looks like the ref is taking matters into his own hands.
  3. jeffutlaw
    3. Posted by jeffutlaw Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:32 pm EDT

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    This wasn't worse than the SEC official in the LSU game ( I believe) that took out the qb.
    These are awesome stills though, I agree with that. Especially the second one that looks like he just delivered a knockout punch.
  4. FairlyHonestBob
    4. Posted by FairlyHonestBob Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:28 pm EDT

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    His kung foo is better than Darby's karate.
  5. Brad
    5. Posted by Brad Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:56 pm EDT

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    I watched the game and it pretty much looked like it did in those pics. He gave him a pretty good shot.
  6. BOW
    6. Posted by BOW Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:57 pm EDT

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    hahahaha...freaking hilarious!!!!
  7. mondo
    7. Posted by mondo Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:48 pm EDT

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    When Zebra's attack !
  8. Turd Ferguson
    8. Posted by Turd Ferguson Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:45 pm EDT

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    so you guys think this ref had the over or the under
  9. Scott E
    9. Posted by Scott E Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:34 pm EDT

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    That's like OSHA coming into your office and punching your Safety Mgr.'s lights out. Will the NFLPA protest? ...apply for hazardous duty insurance for the players?
  10. MarkT
    10. Posted by MarkT Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:42 pm EDT

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    Just when it can't get worse for the Rams
  11. ben_doverimdriving
    11. Posted by ben_doverimdriving Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:05 pm EDT

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    nice hit zebra!
  12. Turd Ferguson
    12. Posted by Turd Ferguson Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:45 pm EDT

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    it sure seems like the refs for the NFL have been on the take this year, the last bears game there were like 5 times i counted that the spot of the ball was moved like a few inches, what i mean is the line judge would put the ball down, then the head ref would move it and low and behold..............FIRST DOWN!!!
    then not calling pass inertference
    the refs are on the take this year
  13. Wharf Rat
    13. Posted by Wharf Rat Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:52 pm EDT

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    Bet Rams fans wish that was Bulger he was punching....
  14. Bill Middleton
    14. Posted by Bill Middleton Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:45 pm EDT

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    You gotta love to see this kind stuff...I just wis I could ave been in the hudle after the play to hear the OL ribbing Darby about getting taking down by a senior citizen...
  15. Kathy
    15. Posted by Kathy Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:47 pm EDT

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    I've know Garth for years. Not bad for an "Old Dude".
  16. Kathy
    16. Posted by Kathy Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:47 pm EDT

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    I've know Garth for years. Not bad for an "Old Dude".
  17. hobby
    17. Posted by hobby Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:04 pm EDT

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    Us lions should recruit him.
    Awesome pics
  18. CowboysFan
    18. Posted by CowboysFan Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:43 pm EDT

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    How does that hurt Darby? Hes wearing a helmet....btw GO REF!!!!!!!
  19. Alex S
    19. Posted by Alex S Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:20 pm EDT

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    As a player, I would be embarressed to have this photo taken of me. You know everybody is going to make fun of him in the locker room. Good times at people expense, it's great.
  20. Alex S
    20. Posted by Alex S Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:20 pm EDT

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    As a player, I would be embarressed to have this photo taken of me. You know everybody is going to make fun of him in the locker room. Good times at people expense, it's great.
  21. Brian B
    21. Posted by Brian B Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:11 pm EDT

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    Cleveland browns recruiter here, he's hired....finally someone who can protect the qb!
  22. noreaster
    22. Posted by noreaster Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:55 pm EDT

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    Nice hit!!
  23. elizeo o
    23. Posted by elizeo o Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:53 pm EDT

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    My how times have changed , i remember when the refs got hurt when they were in the way , and by golly we liked it !!
  24. Phil Fish
    24. Posted by Phil Fish Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:21 pm EDT

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    You're right I do wish it was Bulger. What a waste of money.

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