Hockey
- Headlines
- Scoreboard
- Standings
- Stats
- NHL Schedule
- Teams
- Players
- Hockey Night in Canada
- Highlights
- Fantasy Pool
FIFA World Cup
Vancouver Now
Football
Alpine Skiing
Curling
Figure Skating
Basketball
Baseball
Soccer
Amateur Sports
Golf
Tennis

Mike Carey to become first black referee at Super Bowl

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 | 5:31 PM ET

CBC Sports

The NFL confirmed Wednesday that Mike Carey will lead the officiating crew in this weekend's Super Bowl, becoming the first African-American to referee the game.

The landmark appointment follows last year's historic Super Bowl, which featured two African-American head coaches — Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith.

Mike Carey has officiated at 14 NFL playoff games.
(Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and New England Patriots goes Sunday (6:17 p.m. ET).

Carey has officiated 14 playoff games over 18 NFL seasons, serving as the alternate referee for Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002.

He also handled the Giants-Patriots matchup on Dec. 29, which New England won 38-35 to close out the regular season with a perfect 16-0 record.

Carey will be accompanied by two other black officials, line judge Carl Johnson and field judge Boris Cheek, as well as umpire Tony Michalek, head linesman Gary Slaughter, side judge Larry Rose, back judge Scott Helverson and replay assistant Ken Baker.

The seven-man crew has a combined total of 71 years of NFL officiating experience.

They were chosen using the NFL's evaluation system, which rewards the highest-rated officials with the opportunity to work the historic sporting event.

With files from the Associated Press

This story is now closed to commenting.

Internal Links

Super Bowl Breakdown
Column: Memories of Miami
Photo gallery: Players to watch

Football Headlines

Argos sale to Braley gets CFL green light: Toronto Argonauts co-owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski have completed an agreement to sell the franchise to B.C. Lions owner David Braley.
Barker returns to coaching with Argonauts: Jim Barker on Tuesday was named head coach of the Toronto Argonauts, the same role he held with the Canadian Football League team in 1999.
Super Bowl most-watched U.S. TV show ever: The Super Bowl was watched by more than 106 million people in the U.S., surpassing the 1983 finale of M*A*S*H to become the most-watched program in U.S. television history.
Browns sever ties with Stallworth: The Cleveland Browns terminated the contract of troubled wide receiver Donte' Stallworth on Monday.
Giants awarded Taylor from Broncos: The New York Giants were awarded offensive tackle Herb Taylor off waivers from the Denver Broncos on Monday.

Sports Headlines

Argos sale to Braley gets CFL green light: Toronto Argonauts co-owners David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski have completed an agreement to sell the franchise to B.C. Lions owner David Braley.
Getzlaf 'feels better' but status up in air: Ryan Getzlaf said his ankle felt better on Tuesday, but his Olympic participation remains in doubt until his MRI tests come back.
Betty Fox, Gretzky, could light Olympic cauldron: Speculation continues around who will be selected to light the Olympic cauldron at Friday's opening ceremony, with Betty Fox, Rick Hansen, and Wayne Gretzky favoured choices for many Canadians.
Canucks, Lightning up their play entering break: The Tampa Bay Lightning look for their first four-game win streak in over two seasons Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET when they host the Vancouver Canucks, who are continuing the longest road stretch in NHL history.
Sharks' Olympic trio proves inseparable: When Canada Olympic men's hockey executive director Steve Yzerman selected the San Jose Sharks trio of Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau, it was assumed, although not yet a given, that they would play as a line in Vancouver.

Sports Features