Although the idea of running pass patterns to the orange sticks on third (and fourth) down is nearly as fundamental to the game of football as is the notion of not handing the ball to an opposing player and wishing him a Happy Hanukah, it's not always easy for a guy in the middle of the field to check the sidelines for the specific line to gain during the play.
There's a company out there that's trying to change this, through the use of a green laser beam that would be visible to the players, the officials, the fans in the stands, and the television audience.
First Down Laser Systems, LLC developed several years back a system for projecting a first-down line onto the field. The NFL, we're told, initially said that it was not interested in the device, but has since put the thing through the paces by confirming that, for example, the laser beam won't cause any heads to explode.
The device was supposed to be tested this year in the CFL, but labor problems with the television broadcasts have placed it on the back burner. The company hopes to introduce the thing on a full-time basis in the CFL, NFL, and NCAA.
We like it, and we think it makes sense to use it.
From a safety standpoint, what's the worst that could happen? With the federal government committed to keeping steroids out of the game, maybe it would be a good thing if the laser beam thing inadvertently creates a few Bruce Banners.
