Hunter Smith Adds to Scoreboardgate

Scoreboardgate, originating in the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium, has taken another turn. Remember, the Cowboys debuted in their new digs this past weekend. Everything about the stadium is extravagant, and we'd expect nothing less in a Jerry Jones operation. The only problem thus far is that there are massive hi-def video boards over the center of the stadium that are able to be hit by punted balls.

Earlier this week, Colts president Bill Polian revealed the Colts avoided the same issues in their one-year-old Lucas Oil Stadium by having Hunter Smith -- then the Colts' punter, though he now plays for the Redskins -- punt balls high up into the air. They decided to put their boards on side walls instead of overhead. Now, Smith is disputing Polian's claims, via Matt Terl of Redskins Blog:

[Terl]: "Okay, so you were the guy who tested the--"

Smith: "No."

[Terl]: "No?"

Smith: "No."

[Terl]: "That's incorrect?"

Smith: "That is incorrect. I have been getting phone calls, emails, everything from people about this story. I never did that. I don't remember ever doing that. I can tell you with integrity that I have never punted a ball over a bar or had them measure how high it went."

Smith shrugged. "Now, they could've done it with a camp leg we had, I guess, but ... I never did that. I guess he had me mixed up with someone else, or they planned on doing it, or he just forgot."

Terl also made sure to point out that Smith apologized for potentially ruining Polian's story. It's an illustration of how good a guy Smith is.

No real apology is necessary, though, because, frankly, it doesn't really matter. The Cowboys' video boards are too low -- though not illegal -- and placing blame doesn't change anything.

There's no reason for Polian to go around pontificating about how smart the Colts were before unveiling their new palace. We now know the story didn't happen as he said it did anyway. As Smith said, there could have been a second punter on the grassy knoll or Polian could just be accidentally performing revisionist history in his own mind.

In related news, the boards are still too low.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-26-2009 @ 5:06PM

mcphinfan said...

Already said it on anohter blog. If Jerry Jones doesn't want to move the monitors up, then the Cowboys should be penalized every time they interfere with regular play. It only fair. Punters shouldn't be made to kick around it, or have to re-kick a good punt because of Jerry Jones' ego.

8-26-2009 @ 6:06PM

nexxtlevell said...

I agree, Jerry Jones knew what he was doing and tha big contraption is only gonna hold the games up cuz of rekicking. The "boys" should be penalized!!

8-26-2009 @ 5:22PM

StevefromSacto said...

No, you fools! The scoreboard isn't too low. The ground is too high! Dick Cheney

8-26-2009 @ 8:02PM

Don said...

hope the scoreboard holds up better then the roof at the practice facility

8-26-2009 @ 8:33PM

jetone55 said...

The minimum height is 85 feet; that is a league rule. The scoreboard is 90 feet. It is not too low. Sorry, but the rule is the rule. Learn to kick around it or do it over.

8-27-2009 @ 8:03AM

Matt Snyder said...

Didn't say it was illegal.

I think we could all agree, though, that they are too low if there is an effect on the game. It's simple logic and a technicality doesn't change that.

8-27-2009 @ 11:02AM

The thing about the "rule" is that it was put in place long before anyone had anything close to that size hanging from the ceiling. I mean, we didn't have speed limits in the horse and buggy days either. If the monitors interfere with the regular play of the game, they should be moved. If JJ doesn't want to move them, the Cowboys should be penalized.

8-27-2009 @ 8:17AM

deitrade said...

Being a Cowboy fan, The Screens are 90 feet up. I hope he moves it up at least 10 more feet to be 100, (not 85, like NFL Rules). Yes, it's posssible that it could still be hit at 100 feet, if it's being aimmed at, hence, if punters deliberately hit or try to hit the screens they should be FINED for trying to destruct (no matter how small) private property. Come on people, the TV was placed over NFL rules. A glitch was discovered during the first football game but let the NFL and Jerry Jones work things out without making deragatory remarks just because you may be Cowboy or Jones haters. Have to admit, this huge Screen will continue to invite punters a target to pepper, especially during warmups if not moved.

8-27-2009 @ 4:02PM

WoodFella said...

It may be legal but its just stupid now for the rest of my life i have to watch this half assed stadium change the way players play the game because jerry jones thinks its cool take the screen down or raise it dont change the game for a television

8-27-2009 @ 7:59PM

gmatclr said...

This sorry excuse of an organization can't even build a stadium right! Americas team? More like americas joke!

8-27-2009 @ 8:59PM

Brent said...

Matt Snyder clean out your ears he said they had a punter test it not hunter the punter and why would he lie make up something else too lie i mean write about

8-27-2009 @ 9:36PM

It doesn't really matter who owns, coaches or plays for the Dallas Cowboys. Most of you who hate them were born and bred to be this way, so you never really will have anything good to say.
I have been there, that screen is like being at a movie theatre. You get the best of both worlds. You get to watch the game live or watch it as if at a movie from the top levels. Some one said mount them on the walls LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLL, what walls?? Wall too wall seats you mean?
I am sure the TV will be moved. Even though it was place above NFL rules,this was a glitch because this is the very first experience with such a hugh venture. It won't be the last of, other Teams will copy and improve when they begin to build bigger and better in the future.
Instead of seeing a brighter future for viewing sports most of you people rather take pot shots at Jones and the Cowboys simply because you hate' em. By the way, I love how that Punter came out and stated that he never punted for Polan and the Colts when they though of screens above their field. Shame on Polan for lying to the public.