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So that would make the Big Ten like Harry Hamlin in this story, right?
Yesterday, the Big Ten NCAA football conference was sued by a fired referee, James Filson, for alleged disability discrimination. In 2000, Filson lost sight in one eye due to an unfortunate accident involving the corner of a desk. After testing himself and deciding he could continue to call games, Filson stayed on as a Big Ten ref. However, in 2005 he was fired for, according to his allegations, no reason other than the fact that he’s got one eye.
Filson alleges that after years of calling games with a single eye, coaches learned of his status and urged the Big Ten Commissioner to fire him for not being two-eyed. In fact, he alleges that, upon being fired, he was told that things could get real ugly and there could be “hell to pay” if he ever tweaked a call and the public learned he only had the one eye.
Instead of seeking reinstatement with the Big Ten, I would suggest to Filson that he apply for a job with the NFL. Considering the quality of many of their current refs, I would think they’d welcome an employee who at least has one good eye.
