Is it time for umps (or refs in football and basketball) to be publicly accountable?
As far as I know they have never had to explain to the media (press conference) or to anyone publicly for a questionable call explaining why/how they came to that conclusion. They may have to go behind closed doors and explain it to the head of the league of umpires but no one knows what it said or done if it's a blatant missed call.
Now I know you can't reprimand an umpire for every call you don't agree with but when it's as obvious as last nights home run after "reviewing" it something needs to be done. Human error will happen until the end of time. But it should be known that the umpire in question has been punished or not.
As it stands now...the umpires have total control with no accountability and can control the outcome of the game. Coaches can't hardly say a word to them without fearing of being ejected from the game. They walk on eggshells when it comes to speaking to umpires but umpires are walking on a concrete pad.
This isn't a college level problem....it's a MLB problem also.
So do you think officials should be available to explain any questions?