Marcum: Officials "missed" crucial call

In the Storm's 56-55 loss at Georgia on Saturday, no play was more costly to Tampa Bay than quarterback Brett Dietz's interception in the final minute, which enabled the Force to mount a game-winning drive (it won by scoring on the final play). Storm coach Tim Marcum says the play shouldn't have counted -- and he's pretty hot about it.

"The officials missed it," Marcum said Tuesday.

What did they miss? According to Tampa Bay, Georgia blitzed two linebackers on the play, when AFL rules specifically state only one is allowed to on a play.

"They brought a linebacker that is ineligible to rush the passer on our last play and forced Brett to throw an interception," Marcum said. "It's bull----. That's what it is. When the umpire can't make that call, some changes have got to be made in this league. We lost the game because they allowed (Georgia) to fire the linebacker that caused the interception.."

In protest of the call, the team submitted a complaint to the league Monday.

"That's just a blatant mistake," Marcum said. "It's a mistake, a dumb mistake, and there is no excuse for it. It forced Brett to throw off balance and the throw was late."

Marcum doesn't expect a remedy, just a letter from the league saying he was right. What, then, can come of his complaint?

"Get them better," Marcum said. "I've got a team to coach and they've got a team to coach. When I've got a guy on my team that doesn't play well, I get rid of them and get someone else in there. Their team should be held to that same scrutiny."

--KEITH NIEBUHR