The judging controversy surrounding Douglas Crosby and his questionable scorecards continues to ripple through the sport.
Ariel Helwani reported that The California State Athletic Commission is now placing restrictions on out-of-state judges for all combat sports held in the state. Judges (and referees) cannot work a fight in California within 24 hours unless they are coming from Nevada.
The memo states:
“If you work in California on a Friday, the Commission finds it acceptable for you to work as far as Nevada on Saturday or vice versa. If you accept an out-of-state assignment that is within one day of an assignment in California, you may be removed from the California assignment if you are being required to travel further than the state of Nevada.”
The memorandum issued by CSAC executive Andy Foster details the full extent of the rule and can be read here via MMA Fighting.
Douglas Crosby mired in scoring controversies
As previously reported, Crosby is under fire for a ridiculous 50-45 scorecard he turned in for Danny Sabatello in his loss to Raufeon Slots at Bellator 289. Crosby then flew 2,600 miles to Las Vegas to turn in another ludicrous card awarding Paddy Pimblett a win over Jared Gordon at UFC 282.
The Bellator debacle has led the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulations to open an investigation. Director Mike Mazzulli called it a “serious situation” after announcing the investigation last week. The Nevada State Athletic Commission is not likely to follow the Mohegan Tribe’s play and open a similar inquiry regarding the scoring of Pimblett vs. Gordon.
Though Crosby has a reputation for being one of the worst active judges in MMA, he is in focus now more than ever as the aftershocks continue to work through the sport. As it stands, Crosby is unlikely to face any formal discipline and has only received the typical condemnation from fans and fighters alike.
Being a poor judge isn’t a crime unless the Mohegan Tribe’s investigation blows something wide open. It’s likely that Crosby will be back on a big fight in the next month or so.
For now, this action ensures that all future combat sports events in California will not suffer the same controversies witnessed over the last few weeks.
