One could fervently make a case that the NFL’s instant replay affects the gambler a lot more than the rare fan that has the audacity to not invest in the outcome of games. Are there such monsters? An overturned call or one that should have been overturned but was not because the of the NFL’s bizarre “indisputable evidence” caveat can affect either the side or the total.

One could even reasonably assert that even if for example a touchdown is overturned and the team winds up scoring later in the drive or maybe punts and after stopping an opponent deep in their own territory then scores a touchdown on the ensuing drive it may not affect the ATS or SU, but can certainly change the complexion from a totals standpoint.

So in reality the NFL Rules Committee needs to have a gambling representative. I am the individual for the job. Fist and foremost the one rule that needs to be changed is that once a play goes to the replay booth it should not matter what the original call on the field was.

Too often we see perhaps five angles that strongly suggest that a play should be overturned but just because a sixth angle is ambiguous the call by the refs interpretation of the rules stands.

Sure in theory the call is being appealed which is presumably the logic behind the merit of the original call, but any person who cares about the integrity of the game, if the replay indicates with reasonable certainty that the play should be overturned, then reverse it. It seems harder to convict OJ Simpson then to invalidate an official’s call sometimes.

In fact on close plays too often the officials fritter away time converging on the field and making an official verdict when everybody knows it will go to the replay booth anyway.

So here is Mike Godsey, gambling representative to the NFL Rules Committee’s suggestion, no make it mandate. Just make a replay official just that--an extra official. During the Dark Ages of no instant replay if there was a close call—in fact as stated still today to make the official on-field ruling, the zebras converge and the head referee decides who he thought had the best angle. Basically they form a consensus to at least in theory get the call right. They are not constricted but some red tape rules of order like they are on replays.

Well if coaches can communicate with eyes in the sky and now their QB’s via headset, the head official can certainly communicate with the ref in the sky. The criterion is the same as if he were an on-field official. On a close call if the head ref as he is paid to do determines that the replay official had the best angle, go with him. There is no need to make it brain surgery. If the lead official determines the best angle was in the booth, go with the replay official’s call. What is so hard about that?

The head ref can be the sole arbitrator of what should go to the replay booth. If one wants to work a team’s appeals into the process just like now, that probably can be done too.

I am apologetic to you critics who oppose instant replay because it is not 100% full proof. I am sorry but guess what, nothing is. Just like Joeybagofdonuts within a few seconds can see on his boob tube if a play should be overturned, well-trained zebras in the sky can get the call right most of the time without delaying the game.

In fact it will speed up the game because it will eliminate those on-field conferences.

Sometimes it seems like the current rules were written by replay opponents just to prove a point.

Cut the red tape and just get the call right. Too much money is being exchanged in Vegas and Costa Rica because the NFL still screws up instant replay.

Sure my proposals may need tweaking, but tweak away. Just get the call right. But then gambler can no longer blame the refs. But isn’t that what the NFL wants?

Mike Godsey of Los Angeles, is a well-known advisor to most of the world's largest betting syndicates, high rollers and big name sports handicappers. His “sharpie” plays are now available to the small player and high roller alike at www.godspicks.com.