Longtime football official objects to bias accusation by Syracuse school leader (Your Letters)

To the Editor:
Regarding the disqualified player from the Syracuse Institute of Technology Central football team (“Mayor Walsh, community leaders rally for ITC football team in playoff limbo: ‘Put these kids on the field,’ ” Nov. 7, 2024):
I am personally offended by the quote from Syracuse Board of Education President Tamica Barnett: “We were always told if you weren’t playing in the city — if you had to go to the outskirts, you’re playing against the refs.”
I devoted 37 years as a high school football official for the Syracuse Chapter. While my comments are my personal opinion, I feel they also reflect those of all past and current Syracuse area football officials.
When we are on the field and issue player penalties, we look for the jersey colors and uniform numbers, not skin colors. Barnett’s comment insinuates the football officials are biased against Syracuse city teams and players. Nothing could be further from the truth.
President Barnett, you owe the local football officiating community an apology.
David Munger
Fulton