In the interest of full disclosure, let me begin by saying that I have never been a fan of men's gymnastics. I've almost considered it a point of pride that Americans do not have a rich tradition in this so-called sport. I just can't get over the idea of subjective scoring in sports. As if the world really needed further proof, the fiasco on the men's high bar this week (not to be confused with the fiasco at the men's all-around last week) demonstrated what a total joke gymnastics judging really is.
The veteran Russian was clearly the crowd favorite in the high bar, and he did a fantastic routine. The commentators were raving. And then the scores came out. The Canadian judge and the Maylaysian judge scored the Russian particularly low. The crowd went berzerk. They booed and booed (as much as a gymnastics crowd really can). American Paul Hamm was supposed to go next, but for some reason he was unable to start his routine with all the raucus going on (I won't even comment on the wimp factor in that). After about a ten minute delay, the boss judge came down from his perch and confronted the Canadian and the Maylaysian. Then they all went back to their seats, and the Russian's score was increased.
So, let me sum up. The judges made a subjective call that was unpopular with the fans. The fans booed their lungs out. And then the judges bowed to the wishes of the angry fans and changed their subjective call.
Can you even imagine if the NFL adopted that kind of spineless officiating? After a key, incomplete pass, the referee clicks on his mike and says, "Due to the fan's overwhelming disaproval, we officials have decided to throw a flag for interference on the preceeding play. The ball will be spotted on the 35. First down."
