Figuratively, maybe CBS already has moved on; despite a couple of controversial or confusing calls later in the game that might have required further explanation, Carey was never heard from during Super Bowl 50 after saying a pass to Jerricho Cotchery that was ruled incomplete was a catch and would be overturned. It did appear the Panthers receiver caught it, but it was not overturned. Alas, poor Carey was wrong even when he was probably right.

While it’s nothing more than speculation at this point, rumors are percolating that CBS will move on from Mike Carey , the respected 19-year NFL official who during his two years as the network’s rules analyst has developed the unenviable reputation of being comically incorrect in his assessments, especially when it comes to whether a call being challenged on replay will stand or be overturned.


CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus acknowledged during a call with reporters two weeks ago that he is well aware of the cacophony of criticism aimed at Carey, saying, “I’ve seen some of the criticism, and I think some of it is quite hurtful, frankly.

“Mike is learning his craft and, I think more often than not, he has gotten it right. But I’ll also say that he has disagreed a number of times in some very high-profile situations with what the officials have come back with.”

It’s not exactly a ringing endorsement, and I suppose I’m in the minority of viewers in that I hope CBS keeps Carey around. His boss is right: He is learning his craft — in a sense, he has reminded us how effortless Fox’s Mike Pereira is in what can be a thankless role — and he’s not as wrong as the social-media chirpers and sports-media wise guys sometimes portray him.

USA Today’s “For The Win” did the research and discovered that of 44 reviews Carey opined on this past season, he was right on about 36 and didn’t give an opinion on four, meaning he was wrong just four times.


That’s . . . why, that’s actually pretty good.

The one time he was blatantly wrong, though, was a biggie. According to “For The Win,” his biggest mistake came in the AFC Championship game. Summoned by Jim Nantz to opine on whether a Peyton Manning pass along the line of scrimmage had gone forward and landed incomplete — which was the ruling on the field — or had hit the turf behind the line and thus was a backward pass and a live ball, Carey said the call was correct.

It was a pivotal moment in the game, with the Patriots trailing, 7-0, but having pounced on the ball. Bill Belichick challenged the call, and it was overturned. Very clearly — especially on television sets in New England living rooms — it should have been ruled a backward pass. But somehow, Carey did not recognize the obvious.

Because of that call more than any other, the “Mr. Wrong” reputation is sticking to Carey. The Super Bowl did nothing to erase that perception. But that fledgling reputation — and his occasional struggles on air to make a clear and concise point on a play that is complex — shouldn’t be cause enough to lose his job.

He does generate buzz, if not for the reasons CBS might want, and he was a fine official. Maybe he will improve in Year 3 on the job. Hey, Phil Simms takes as much grief as Carey, for good reason, and CBS has kept him around for 18 years.


Star of Stars

TNT is the television home of this weekend’s NBA All-Star festivities from Toronto, which commence with Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge at 9 p.m. (The Celtics’ Marcus Smart is on the US roster.) The dunk contest, 3-point shootout, and skills challenge will air as part of All-Star Saturday Night, beginning at 8. Pregame coverage of Sunday’s All-Star Game begins at 7 p.m., with tipoff at 8:30.

Marv Albert, Reggie Miller, and Chris Webber will have the call of the All-Star Game. Turner Sports announced a long-term contract extension for Albert earlier this week.

“He’s been a true icon in the industry,” said Craig Barry, Turner Sports executive vice president of production. “He’s been associated with the NBA for nearly 50 years.

“I can’t recall a play-by-play announcer as closely identifiable with a league as Marv is to the NBA. He’s a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge that he shares with our audience on a nightly basis but, more importantly, he is a true fan. Our shows are better because Marv is on them.”

Albert, who is calling his 21st All-Star Game, excels not just because of his talent and institutional knowledge of the league, but his humor, which he was quick to display after Barry’s introduction.

“You mentioned I was closing in on 50 years,’’ said Albert, “and I did want to say that I started at the age of 9.”


Based on Albert’s actual age, he must have started at 24, if you want to do the math.

Dunkin’ Dee

Speaking of memorable All-Star festivities, want to feel old? Tuesday marked the 25th anniversary of Celtic rookie Dee Brown’s victory in the dunk contest. Brown, now 47, later won another famous contest: He was the 2005 winner of ESPN’s “Dream Job,’’ in which contestants vied for an on-air role on the network. He is now an assistant on Mike Malone’s staff with Nuggets.

Chad Finn can be reached at finn@globe.com.