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James Spann post regarding the lightning delay before halftime.
Posted on 9/20/26 at 11:14 am
Posted on 9/20/26 at 11:14 am
He’s spot on about the need to have flexibility in the rule. The storm that produced the lightning delay before halftime was already falling apart when they pulled the trigger on the delay. They need to be able to end the delay when it’s clear the storm has dissipated and is no longer producing lightning.
Posted on 9/20/26 at 11:20 am to Roll Tide Ravens
Rule is antiquated with the technology we have now
Posted on 9/20/26 at 12:40 pm to Roll Tide Ravens
I'm sure it's also union rules for the production crew. I work in the film industry and we have the same protocol if there's a lightning strike within 10 miles, everyone has to take cover until 30 minutes after the last strike have passed. Safety is becoming a huge issue in this industry and I just don't see this rule ever changing tbh due in large part to ESPN.
Posted on 9/20/26 at 1:24 pm to Roll Tide Ravens
2nd delay was correct by rule and completely unnecessary in practice.
That storm was way off and no threat to anyone in the vicinity of the stadium. In their defense the lightning was very visible from my seats during the game so I kind of get it.
The first storm easily could've been a major problem for anyone in BDS and we were lucky it split and missed us.
That storm was way off and no threat to anyone in the vicinity of the stadium. In their defense the lightning was very visible from my seats during the game so I kind of get it.
The first storm easily could've been a major problem for anyone in BDS and we were lucky it split and missed us.
Posted on 9/20/26 at 1:52 pm to Roll Tide Ravens
Spann is an aubie so run what he says through the filter. He probably thinks Bama stopped the game to break FSU momentum.
Posted on 9/20/26 at 1:59 pm to PuertoRicanBlaze
quote:
I'm sure it's also union rules for the production crew. I work in the film industry and we have the same protocol if there's a lightning strike within 10 miles, everyone has to take cover until 30 minutes after the last strike have passed. Safety is becoming a huge issue in this industry and I just don't see this rule ever changing tbh due in large part to ESPN.
ESPN doesn't set the game delay rules. There was a point in the second half where the broadcast crew noted that they were operating with limited camera views because the crews had been pulled due to lightning proximity but the game continued on because the lightning didn't meet the NCAA weather stop requirements. That makes sense now that you said your rules are 10 miles. It's 8 for the NCAA.
I'm sure ESPN HATES weather delays. It's got to be a nightmare trying to juggle all the rescheduling. They'd much prefer the game go on and them cover it with limited, remotely operated cameras.
Spann is right, it's silly to let a single bolt from a dying storm stop the game-but you're right too. It's not going to change because the NCAA is too scared of litigation.
Posted on 9/20/26 at 3:10 pm to PuertoRicanBlaze
quote:
I just don't see this rule ever changing tbh due in large part to ESPN.
ESPN has their own separate rule. That’s why we had that period in the game yesterday with the weird camera angles. Their rule is they pull their high up camera men if there’s lightning within 10 miles. SEC rule for stopping the game is lightning within 8 miles.
Posted on 9/20/26 at 3:11 pm to Shocco
quote:
Spann is an aubie
I’m quite certain he isn’t. He doesn’t really express any opinions favoring any teams. He’s worked with Alabama for years, as he said in that post.
Posted on 9/20/26 at 3:26 pm to Shocco
Shocco that might be the silliest thing ever posted on this forum. Everything that goes on in this state is not linked to this damn rivalry.
Posted on 9/20/26 at 3:53 pm to Roll Tide Ravens
quote:
ESPN has their own separate rule. That’s why we had that period in the game yesterday with the weird camera angles. Their rule is they pull their high up camera men if there’s lightning within 10 miles. SEC rule for stopping the game is lightning within 8 miles.
I was there so didn't see it on TV but that tracks as I've seen a few games where they suddenly switch to those press box cameras due to weather.
I've never worked broadcasting but just assumed the same rules applied as film. They're very strict about weather related issues with us, honestly more than any other safety related issue. Even in Atlanta if there's a threat of snow, they'll shut us down and let's say we don't wrap before the first snowflake falls, they'll provide us with hotel vouchers so we don't have to drive home.
Posted on 9/20/26 at 6:29 pm to Roll Tide Ravens
I mean, rules are written in blood.
When it comes to lightning I’d rather just play it safe. This situation happens maybe once every 5 years across 10,000+ annual games.
When it comes to lightning I’d rather just play it safe. This situation happens maybe once every 5 years across 10,000+ annual games.
Posted on 9/20/26 at 10:15 pm to InkStainedWretch
quote:
Everything that goes on in this state is not linked to this damn rivalry.
You've got your head in the sand if you can't see that this state is full of corrupt barner weathermen.
Posted on 9/21/26 at 1:18 am to JustGetItRight
quote:
Spann is right, it's silly to let a single bolt from a dying storm stop the game-but you're right too. It's not going to change because the NCAA is too scared of litigation.
It's not just the NCAA. In Tennessee, with the TSSAA...who gets their guidance from the NFHS...that lightning is seen, you're going to the locker room for 45 minutes, minimum.
Maybe the NCAA is scared of litigation. But why would you have litigation?
Because someone is dead.
Posted on 9/21/26 at 5:59 am to BamaGradinTn
You don't want to be the guy that didn't call the lightning time out, if the unthinkable were to happen. Frustrating but better for everyone in the long run.
Posted on 9/21/26 at 8:10 am to dalefla
quote:
You don't want to be the guy that didn't call the lightning time out, if the unthinkable were to happen. Frustrating but better for everyone in the long run.
Which is why we see more school closings now than in the past. “Out of an abundance of caution.”
If Spann was so concerned about safety, then why was he out there creating content on the field during the delay? The guy is the Alabama version of Fauci.
Rules for thee….but not for me
LINK
This post was edited on 9/21/26 at 10:06 am
Posted on 9/21/26 at 12:18 pm to Shocco
Doesnt look like he ever attended the barn. Was an engineering student at Alabama, while working to pay his tuition. He grew up about a block from our stadium. He didnt get the engineering degree, but looks like his job in Tuscaloosa led him into broadcasting and later got some kind of on line weather related certificate from Ms State.
Posted on 9/21/26 at 1:32 pm to UhOhOreo
I was at the game there was more danger from heat stroke than lightning.
This extended the game by almost 3 hours. I googled it there has never been a person struck by lightning inside a major college stadium, this is more about the union camera men getting their way.
This extended the game by almost 3 hours. I googled it there has never been a person struck by lightning inside a major college stadium, this is more about the union camera men getting their way.
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