I knew it was only a matter of time.
Remember back in 2009, then USC head coach Pete Carroll and then Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh had an interesting confrontation at the conclusion of their teams game. The Stanford Cardinals had just dismantled the Trojans 55-21 and Pete Carroll famously asked coach Harbaugh, “What’s your deal?” because he thought the coach was trying to run up the score.
Now the same respective coaches are in the NFL and coach teams in the same division. And it seems the animosity between the two is still there.
In the wake of last week’s 13-6 49ers win over the Seahawks, coach Harbaugh questioned the officiating as he thought Seahawk defensive backs were allowed to be too physical with his receivers.
Interesting coming from Harbaugh, who just last week complained Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride was trying to influence officiating by making remarks about defensive end Justin Smith.
Pete Carroll, had an interesting response.
While talking to Brock & Salk on ESPN 710 in Seattle Carroll said, “Wasn’t it just a couple weeks ago when they were talking about not doing things like that? The Giants, Kevin Gilbride, or something like that? You know, I thought there was something about that, you know? Where we don’t go out and express our concerns and all.”
“I think this was a very normal game for us in terms of how we played, and I’m surprised he felt like the receivers were so overwhelmed. I thought our guys did a good job. There’s always gonna be some calls that you can look at. But our guys played good, solid, hard football. And, you know, Vernon Davis didn’t get the ball and their receivers didn’t do much, Randy [Moss] got one. I’m sure there’s a little frustration on their part.”
Carroll also added, “If the officials look at it, they won’t have anything to even look at. And I don’t think they even need to. It’s a regular game. Our penalties have really been going in the right direction, if you look at it. . . . I don’t think a guy should be able to speak out and go ahead and cause an investigation. It’s too easy. I don’t think it’s gonna happen.”
I’m sure Harbaugh will have a response for Carroll in the upcoming days.
