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Referee Joey Crawford Advocates for Challenge Systems in Sports

4/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Joey Crawford, a controversial NBA referee, praises challenge systems for holding officials accountable.
Crawford notes MLB's automated ball-strike system allows teams to challenge calls, like in NBA, NHL, NFL.
Crawford, who officiated from 1977 to 2016, says he agonized over missed calls.
He notes criticism often stems from focusing on Michael Jordan.
He emphasizes doing the job to the best of one's ability despite public scrutiny.

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Story summary

Joey Crawford, a controversial NBA referee, praises challenge systems for holding officials accountable.
Crawford notes MLB's automated ball-strike system allows teams to challenge calls, like in NBA, NHL, NFL.
Crawford, who officiated from 1977 to 2016, says he agonized over missed calls.
He notes criticism often stems from focusing on Michael Jordan.
He emphasizes doing the job to the best of one's ability despite public scrutiny.