NFL: We stand by the terrible, terrible call at the end of that Packers/Seahawks game
posted at 4:41 pm on September 25, 2012 by Allahpundit
So terrible was it that bookies are feeling moral qualms about collecting from Green Bay bettors. So terrible was it that even Scott Walker is pro-union this morning. So terrible was it that Jay Carney is denouncing it in strident terms usually reserved for horrors like YouTube videos that criticize Mohammed.
The punchline? The league now admits that the replacement refs blew the call. Not the call on the interception — which was also blown, make no mistake — but the call on Golden Tate’s obvious offensive pass interference in the end zone, which the league acknowledges should have ended the game. Help me figure this out, then. The NFL has two options: Stand by its replacement refs by going full Orwell and insisting that they got everything right, or stand with the fans by admitting that the call was blown and award Green Bay the victory. Because the key call came on the final play, this is a rare case where you can definitively say that the outcome of the game would have been different had the proper call been made. In which case, what’s the argument for letting the Seahawks keep the win?
While the ball is in the air, Tate can be seen shoving Green Bay cornerback Sam Shields to the ground. This should have been a penalty for offensive pass interference, which would have ended the game. It was not called and is not reviewable in instant replay.
When the players hit the ground in the end zone, the officials determined that both Tate and Jennings had possession of the ball. Under the rule for simultaneous catch, the ball belongs to Tate, the offensive player. The result of the play was a touchdown.
Replay Official Howard Slavin stopped the game for an instant replay review. The aspects of the play that were reviewable included if the ball hit the ground and who had possession of the ball. In the end zone, a ruling of a simultaneous catch is reviewable. That is not the case in the field of play, only in the end zone.
Referee Wayne Elliott determined that no indisputable visual evidence existed to overturn the call on the field, and as a result, the on-field ruling of touchdown stood. The NFL Officiating Department reviewed the video today and supports the decision not to overturn the on-field ruling following the instant replay review.
If the pass interference call’s not reviewable, why bother to publicly second-guess it the way they did here? Just say, “We take no position on whether Tate pushed off. It’s in the discretion of the field officials.” They’ve somehow found the worst of both worlds, cutting their own guys off at the knees by acknowledging that blew the game and giving the fans no satisfaction by refusing to reverse the result.
One of the professional refs currently on strike e-mailed BuzzFeed to reassure them that, yes, the replacements ruined everything last night:
“I’m not very forgiving about officials who know they don’t know the rules and know they aren’t qualified to be working at that level. They have embarrassed themselves and officials at all levels in all sports. If there is one overriding ingredient of an official it is ‘integrity.’ They showed no integrity whatsoever by taking a job they knew they weren’t even close to being qualified to do. And they continue to go out there each week and prove it all over again. My advice to them is to look in the mirror and admit to themselves they aren’t capable of doing this job. No one has forced them to go out there. They took a job that they knew they weren’t qualified for. I have no sympathy for that. That is the antithesis of integrity.”
There’s a fledgling boycott afoot on Facebook, which surely won’t do much nationally — although I am suddenly curious to see what the TV ratings are like in Green Bay for the next Packers game. Here’s the VP nominee, a Wisconsin native of course, making hay on the trail today by needling another guy who’s not good at his job. Exit question: This story is a joke, right? The NFL replacement refs weren’t actually unqualified for … the Lingerie Football League, were they?
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Not surprised. Just like NASCAR; never overturn a victory. Every fan will leave the stadium knowing who the winner is.
Doesn’t make it right. Just is what it is.
Sgt Steve on September 25, 2012 at 4:43 PM
Why reverse the result, this isn’t the first time a game has turned on a bad call. Admit the mistake and chalk it up to the fact that even the most seasoned ref isn’t going to see every penalty or get every call right.
Bishop on September 25, 2012 at 4:44 PM
I will defer opinion to the President’s position on this…. I’m sure he’s all over this as well as his NCAA brackets.
FlaMurph on September 25, 2012 at 4:45 PM
Except the replay officials who should have fixed it are the normal officials. Two officials ruled differently on the play, it was up to the replay both to get it right. The normal replay officials failed, not the replacement officials.
aniptofar on September 25, 2012 at 4:45 PM
Worst officiating evah.
1921 C DRUM on September 25, 2012 at 4:46 PM
you cant undo whats done, AP. that would be a crime as well. as a redskin fan who has had the refs screw my team dozens of times in favor of the cowboys for years, well, suck it up. grow a pair. next game, dont make it close at the end so the refs have the opportunity to screw it up. this is not a beta males game.
t8stlikchkn on September 25, 2012 at 4:46 PM
As a Seattle fan I look upon this as revenge for the game-breaking Hawks Superbowl call.
WitchDoctor on September 25, 2012 at 4:47 PM
You play with what you got. That includes officials.
They didn’t reverse the umpire making that bad call that caused that pitcher to end his pitching streak, did they?
portlandon on September 25, 2012 at 4:47 PM
i blame it on the video.
t8stlikchkn on September 25, 2012 at 4:47 PM
Agreed. The fact that it was an especially egregious blown call by a replacement ref doesn’t change that it was a blown call.
The severity doesn’t matter. What happened happened. Otherwise, we may as well break out the lawyers every time somebody claims to have seen something the refs didn’t see.
Overturning the result would have set a pretty bad precedent.
KingGold on September 25, 2012 at 4:48 PM
Possession requires a players to secure the ball all the way to the ground. Tate had gotten possession before the players hit the ground. Tie goes to the runner. One player cannot catch the ball more than another.
Tate committed PI in the endzone on a hail marry. It happens every week. That is a call that is rarely made.
If the Packers deserved to win as much as the media buzz says they did then they would have scored more than 12 points.
There were calls that benefited them during the game too.
Whenever you leave the game up to the officials you have a good chance to walk away disappointed.
phadedjaded on September 25, 2012 at 4:48 PM
Can anyone honestly say the regular refs would have handled that call any better? Did no one ever complain about fast flags, phantom calls, and such with the regular refs? Doesn’t everyone make fun of Ed “hey look at me” Hochuli? Didn’t the regular refs once blow a coin toss?
How come when the media mentions its about a retirement benefit, they leave out the fact that the NFL wants a few extra reffing crews on reserves to take out under performing crews?? Perhaps that is why the refs are holding out?
Rich on September 25, 2012 at 4:48 PM
Ya get what ya pay for.
You don’t like it? Come back to baseball where the only the muscles are fake, and a few records.
Limerick on September 25, 2012 at 4:48 PM
Actually AllahPundit, it’s a lockout by the owners.
rbj on September 25, 2012 at 4:49 PM
“Offensive pass interference?”…surprised this group didn’t call “Charging” on Tate…
hillsoftx on September 25, 2012 at 4:49 PM
I will defer opinion to the President’s position on this…. I’m sure he’s all over this as well as his NCAA brackets.
FlaMurph on September 25, 2012 at 4:45 PM
And here you go:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2012/sep/25/obama-wants-regular-nfl-refs-back/
No time for world leaders and such but time to weigh in on this.
rsherwd65 on September 25, 2012 at 4:50 PM
Hey, it’s equally bad for both teams. Fair.
Cindy Munford on September 25, 2012 at 4:50 PM
I think we should keep the replacement officials for about say 4 more years.
I mean they inherited an impossible situation that they were really too inexperienced to handle. I am sure things will be better going forward. Because they just seem so gosh darn likeable.
In fact maybe the next game at Lambeau can start with a presentation of a Reset button at midfield by the officials to the coach and everyone can just LAUGH! Hahahah.
Then for acting stupidly, maybe the refs can share a beer with the players and everyone will forget their incompetence.
I know they have marked off wrong penalty yardage as well, but whats 1 Trillion yards or 5 trillion yards anyway. Its not like those yards are the other teams to keep. They should share their yards and be more patriotic…
jjjdad on September 25, 2012 at 4:51 PM
I don’t understand why the referees want to remain part time but want a pension.
Cindy Munford on September 25, 2012 at 4:52 PM
I agree. They can’t undo this travesty while letting the other obviously wrong calls in the game stand. Nor while letting the other obviously wrong calls in other games stand.
aunursa on September 25, 2012 at 4:52 PM
Music City Miracle
pain train on September 25, 2012 at 4:52 PM
I bet Seahawk fans are tickled pink.
Cindy Munford on September 25, 2012 at 4:53 PM
They can’t reverse the result…precedent setting…so maybe further tweaking of the rules is in order (no wonder the replacements are struggling…what used to be a 5 page rule book now looks the the federal tax code). The “upstairs” guys are not part of the union squabble but I suspect they caved in order to show solidarity towards their picketing brothers.
teejk on September 25, 2012 at 4:54 PM
cry me a freakin’ river Cheeseheads, get the refs to reverse the non-catch in the 1979 Oilers/Steelers championship game and we’ll talk…btw, that brought us instant replay I believe
Mike Renfro was in bounds!!!11!!
DanMan on September 25, 2012 at 4:55 PM
Yes. The regular refs would have huddled together and discussed it to determine if any other official had a clear view and to go over the relevant rules regarding “simultaneous possession.”
aunursa on September 25, 2012 at 4:55 PM
I seem to remember a certain bad call that caused the seahawks to lose the superbowl about 5 years ago…….
portlandon on September 25, 2012 at 4:57 PM
you may as well claim the prize now…nobody is going to beat that post.
teejk on September 25, 2012 at 4:57 PM
I’m still upset about the egregiously awful call made by the ump that cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game in 2010. Were those replacement umpires?
Goldenavatar on September 25, 2012 at 4:57 PM
Ed, you are absolutely correct.
SparkPlug on September 25, 2012 at 4:57 PM
Yes, it was a blown call. But the lovefest about how the union refs are sooo awesome is dumb. They suck too.
sauldalinsky on September 25, 2012 at 4:57 PM
aiiyeee! metaphors for dummies, good stuff
DanMan on September 25, 2012 at 4:57 PM
As a Seahawks fan, I’m happy.
nicktjacob on September 25, 2012 at 4:58 PM
Hey, this is a million times more defensible than Obama doubling down on the assertion that the Libyan consulate attack was the result of an out of control protest about the video.
besser tot als rot on September 25, 2012 at 4:59 PM
If anything the rules should be changed to eject any team Wisconsin-based team from the NFL.
Bishop on September 25, 2012 at 4:59 PM
Ah, AP!
pain train on September 25, 2012 at 4:59 PM
stare decisis — The gift that keeps on giving.
Forever.
Axe on September 25, 2012 at 5:00 PM
“The referees acted stupidly”
-O’Butthead
ICanSeeNovFromMyHouse on September 25, 2012 at 5:01 PM
er…um..the line was 3 and they were winning by 5 when the call was made phadedjaded
DanMan on September 25, 2012 at 5:01 PM
Rush said it best!
LevinFan on September 25, 2012 at 5:03 PM
Fair? Teh Won has somehow made the word distasteful. Overturning a game though, is out of bounds in any event.
wolfsDad on September 25, 2012 at 5:03 PM
How is the nation ever going to endure this unending nightmare and crisis?
Dr. Carlo Lombardi on September 25, 2012 at 5:03 PM
Aaron Rodgers got sacked 7 times in just the first half. Its not like Green Bay was having a great game.
Green bay has lost more now then they lost all of last year.
portlandon on September 25, 2012 at 5:04 PM
The player has to have control of the ball all the way to the ground. This includes defensive players.
That call was fine. The defender did not complete the catch before the Seahawk Tate had possession, also. The Seahawk got on it while the defender fell.
At the conclusion, both had possession. That is why it was upheld.
The Green Bay fans are being more rotten about this than the Seattle fans were about questionable calls in the SB.
I thought they, too, were good calls or close.
I volunteered as an ump and referee. I was hated.
IlikedAUH2O on September 25, 2012 at 5:04 PM
Heh, now you know what it feels like to be a liberal and have something handed to you that you didn’t deserve.
LevinFan on September 25, 2012 at 5:05 PM
Are you kidding?
The defender, Jennings, had clear possession all the way to the ground. Tate at most only got ONE HAND on the ball it was NOT simultaneous possession.
It was a TERRIBLE call!
LevinFan on September 25, 2012 at 5:06 PM
I just watched it. The main interference was by the green bay guy who ended up catching most of the ball because he was basically on top of the shoulders of the Seahawk in front of him which prevented him from jumping up and catching the ball. That was a lot more flagrant than the other Seahawk player’s hand on the Packer’s back.
If you say it’s alright to interfere with the other player while jumping up for the ball, they can always time their jump in a manner to interfere with the opponent.
But that’s the reason the game has gone to hell. They are expected to officiate taps and rubs in a game with 300 lb men running and jumping in crowds. Maybe that sort of play call should have never existed in the game of football but developed into a feasible play after years of overly nuanced officiating.
Buddahpundit on September 25, 2012 at 5:06 PM
Clearly, the federal government needs to jump in and make it more fair for everyone.
Look for ticket prices to double and for games to last twice as long because every call will be reviewed by a highly paid federally funded team of experts.
Sounds fair.
Lily on September 25, 2012 at 5:06 PM
And the female football fans don’t care about ths game — it’s in the past. They only care about the ones that are upcoming.
DOOF on September 25, 2012 at 5:06 PM
The problem with the offensive pass interference is that it’s virtually never called in this instance (last play / Hail Mary, etc.) – even by the regular refs.
The screw-up was the simultaneous catch that wasn’t.
FWIW, the FG during the last play of NE-BAL looked to be good on the replay. That’s not to excuse the comedy errors going on these first few weeks. Goodell needs to do something – and quick.
ICanSeeNovFromMyHouse on September 25, 2012 at 5:08 PM
I remember Seattle whining after the game but I don’t remember anything nearly as bad as what happened last night.
LevinFan on September 25, 2012 at 5:08 PM
The important thing is to have the refs be as DIVERSE as possible. Some athletic ones, some fat ones. Some male, some women, some handicapped. Some White, Asian, Black, Green, Purple ones. Some good refs, some horrible refs.
But remember DIVERSITY is the key!
That’s what these liberals want for every other walk of life, but they won’t stand for it when it affects sports!
Good thing they have their priorities straight!
LevinFan on September 25, 2012 at 5:10 PM
I don’t think they determined anything. It was Ref #26 who was out of position, ran to the endzone, saw two guys struggling on the ground for the ball and guessed, “well, looks like a touchdown to me.” They didn’t even follow standard procedure which is to conference with one another (esp. the guy who was closer and had a better angle and called it a touchback) to make sure they had it right. Nope, it was one doofus’s opinion that forced the issue.
When they hit the ground, Jennings is on top of Tate and Tate has one arm on Jenning’s wrist. He doesn’t have one bit of possession. He’s trying to get the ball away, but that’s about it. Jennings has the ball. Tate has Jennings.
You want to claim it was a 50/50 ball. Fine. Now think about it. Many controversial calls are 50/50 and you see that reflected in that fact that one team’s fans are really happy, one team’s fans are really mad and the rest of us are either unconcerned or split 50/50 on how we see it.
In this case you have near uniform agreement among non-interested observers that the call was blown and the ball was intercepted. It’s not even close. And we’re all seeing the same replay you are. If this really was a 50/50 play and both players had possession, there would be more people arguing that Tate had caught it.
But they’re not, because he didn’t.
Now, being a Packer fan, I’ll just shrug my shoulders and say, “not the first screw up and not the last.” There’s 13 games to go and the Packers, if they’re good enough, should be able to recover. Besides, after being a die-hard fan for more than 40 years now, I’ve learned the most important lesson for any sports fan, and that is:
Almost EVERY SINGLE SEASON your beloved team is going to lose in the end. Enjoy the victories, don’t get suicidal about the defeats, and above all, get-a-life.
PackerBronco on September 25, 2012 at 5:10 PM
For the Packers Haters- Watch ESPN SportsCenter to see how badly that call was blown. Clear shot photographs of Jennings in possession all the way. It actually was the … Worst. Call. Ever.
Put the asterisk on every win and record for this season.
M240H on September 25, 2012 at 5:11 PM
I would still like to see more than just the one angle of the replay. Normally we see at least two different angles.
D-fusit on September 25, 2012 at 5:11 PM
This is all bullshyte. The refs missed a call? Big deal. In 2008, the best ref in the league – Ed Hochuli – totally booted a call in the Chargers-Broncos game that cost the Chargers the game. All refs make mistakes. At least these replacement bozos aren’t asking for pensions for part-time jobs.
As for the pass interference non-call, the regular refs NEVER call that on the final play. That they didn’t here is par for the course. Funny thing is that if that moron Packer player did what every football player has been taught since the Flutie play in ’84 and just batted the ball down, none of this would have happened.
rcpjr on September 25, 2012 at 5:12 PM
I’m so happy to see HotAir on the side of the union hacks.
Sheesh.
faraway on September 25, 2012 at 5:13 PM
As a Ravens fan, I can attest to the aggravation of watching a referee make a bad call (or non call) that takes points off -or in the case of Seattle, puts points on- the board. The terrible offensive ass interference call against the Ravens’ Jacoby Jones in Philly last week wiped out touchdown that would’ve been the difference in the game. No one was freaking out about that like they are this.
Maybe it’s the cumulative effect of three weeks of poor officiating, but the constant calls for the NFL to cave in to the organized referees is not smart politically. Besides, does anyone really know what the negotiating positions are for the two sides?
What if they want Sundays off? Or don’t want to work in poor weather? [Kidding] Or, what if they just want a ton more money but don’t want to be held accountable for their performance a la the Chicago Teachers Union? Until I hear what the separation is between the referees and the NFL, then I’m not staking a position- even when it effects my team.
One more thing- does anyone remember a time when the officials weren’t being criticized? Me neither.
BKeyser on September 25, 2012 at 5:13 PM
It was a catch, plain and simple
faraway on September 25, 2012 at 5:13 PM
i just dont think we’ll be able to get 47% of the seattle fans.
t8stlikchkn on September 25, 2012 at 5:16 PM
@witchdoctor – I said the exact same thing on facebook this morning!
somnicide on September 25, 2012 at 5:16 PM
Agreed.
The bigger issue here is that Goodell needs to take control of this before this officiating (& the tarnish on the league) gets into WWE territory.
ICanSeeNovFromMyHouse on September 25, 2012 at 5:17 PM
does anybody else kind of just not care about the seahwaks? they still feel like an AFC team to me. i didnt want them in the NFC. they were just too prissy. i still dont want them in the NFC. the only time i think about them is when something stupid happens. i am sure their fans are nice people.
t8stlikchkn on September 25, 2012 at 5:19 PM
That’s not interference. Pass interference occurs when a player tries to prevent another player from catching the ball. However once the ball is in the air it does not “belong” to either team and the defender has as much right to the ball as the receiver. In a Hail Mary situation you have a whole bunch of players all going for the ball and contact between those players is unavoidable. The question is not whether contact occurred but whether the contact occurred in the midst of a totally legitimate attempt to catch the ball.
So Jennings was completely allowed to go for the ball, even if that meant hitting Tate on the way up. On the other hand, Tate pushing Shields was total pass interference since it was an action not part of catching the ball, but preventing Shields from catching it.
PackerBronco on September 25, 2012 at 5:19 PM
So are you a Packers and a Broncos fan?
I’m a Peyton Manning fan (he’s actually a conservative who donated to the reelection of GWB in 2004 and both he and his wife donated to Fred Thompson in 2008).
Makes it pretty easy to root for such a class act, great player, and someone who has their had on straight!
LevinFan on September 25, 2012 at 5:20 PM
They got it right, stop whining
dual possession:
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/380161_10151108594243528_1216837275_n.jpg
IndyArmyVet on September 25, 2012 at 5:21 PM
LMAO – the NFL should hire head-turd-polisher Jay (opie) Carney to spin this. Anybody who’s day job is to make obumbles look successful, can make anything look good!
Tim_CA on September 25, 2012 at 5:21 PM
They should replay the game in slow motion. That would give the refs more time to see who is going to get the ball.
SparkPlug on September 25, 2012 at 5:22 PM
I live in both Wisconsin and Colorado.
BUT, my heart belongs to Green Bay.
I actually dislike the Broncos. Can’t quite forgive them for the ’97 Superbowl.
PackerBronco on September 25, 2012 at 5:22 PM
…season doesn’t mean much to me after watching last nights game…and all the holding and grabbing in the last couple of games…players might as well be on strike.
KOOLAID2 on September 25, 2012 at 5:23 PM
Not me! I say pound ‘em til they cry and then pound them for cryin’! We need unionized refs about as much as we need unionized municipal employees.
Anybody know what they’re holding out/being locked out for?
DanMan on September 25, 2012 at 5:24 PM
Nice try, Sparky. Tate’s right hand isn’t even on the ball in that screenshot.
M240H on September 25, 2012 at 5:25 PM
c’mon now….add a few “accidental” elbows and knees…..and you’ve got a typical raider game at home.
Tim_CA on September 25, 2012 at 5:26 PM
aunursa on September 25, 2012 at 4:55 PM
Agreed. I can’t figure out why some clowns on Hot Air today insist that Tate caught the ball. The video and photos clearly show otherwise. A conference of the officials might have led to the right call. And as for Jennings just swatting it away, did no one here see what happened to the Titans on Sunday when they did that?
You Packer haters should grow up. Unless you like the defending champ Giants, you have nothing to crow about.
NebCon on September 25, 2012 at 5:26 PM
So . . . if the Seahawks had lost that game because of the bad call that led to GB’s ONLY TD would you guys be complaining as well?
I bet not. We Seahawk fans have been down this road before. We lived through Super Bowl XL.
Voter from WA State on September 25, 2012 at 5:27 PM
Packer fans can stop crying .In 2003 the Giants SEASON ended on a referee’s mistake . Giants lined up for game winning field goal in playoffs vs 49ers as time ran out and the snap was fumbled. The giants holder threw a pass downfield to a receiver that was dragged down while ball was in the air . The referee said it was NOT pass inteference because receiver was ineligble . When the NFL reviewed the play they discovered the receiver WAS eligible and PI should have been called allowing Giants to kick a short FG for the win .
Know what the NFL did ? They apologized and Giants went home .
DeweyWins on September 25, 2012 at 5:27 PM
Remember when replacement refs invented the ‘tuck rule’? Wait, those were seasoned, experienced refs. Never mind…
joejm65 on September 25, 2012 at 5:28 PM
Oh, you mean one of the union refs… on lockout… gotcha
faraway on September 25, 2012 at 5:28 PM
I’m only half way joking, but it could and has happened with the regular guys. I do think the chances are expenditially higher now though.
Cindy Munford on September 25, 2012 at 5:30 PM
Not the most egregious blown call ever … I’m sure Ed Morrissey recalls this one … If I remember correctly, a fan threw a whiskey bottle out of the stands and hit the ref who missed that call right in the head after that game … the NFL survived, and it will survive this too … But it would be good to get the regular refs back on the field again.
TouchdownBuddha on September 25, 2012 at 5:31 PM
No, it was the officiating in Super Bowl XL. That was the worst.
Voter from WA State on September 25, 2012 at 5:31 PM
you need to spend some time up there, they are a hilarious population. Huge issues are trees and views. Tree renegades plant saplings that ultimately block views of water. View rengades cut them down in the night as they mature.
And they vote on everything. If the city wants to add an ambulance to the local fire station they have to get enough signatures to over rule the people that don’t want the extra noise.
Oh, and the homeless get first dibs on any public bench.
DanMan on September 25, 2012 at 5:31 PM
The George Brett Pine Tar Incident. Umpire’s call on what would have been the last play of the game gets reversed by American League President (and ex-Yanks GM) Lee McPhail, Brett’s home run is allowed to stand and the Royals end up winning the game instead of the Yankees.
It’s baseball, not pro football, but it was with the regular umps and it was a call from the league office that turned one losing team into a winner. So it’s not as if it’s never happened before in pro sports. It’s just that the NFL, Roger Goodell and the owners (especially the owners, since it’s their $$$ involved) have too much invested in their battle with the regular refs now to change the final result of a replacement ref game. It will just go down as a strike-period entry into the historic list of blown football calls.
jon1979 on September 25, 2012 at 5:34 PM
Well… well… well. You mean that the union hacks at ESPN have pulled the wool over our eyes? For shame.
faraway on September 25, 2012 at 5:34 PM
Voter from WA State on September 25, 2012 at 5:31 PM
That was a horribly officiated game. No argument there. I know regular refs make bad calls; we’ve all been there with our teams. But is it asking too much for the officials to have conferred on the field last night given that two of them signaled two different things? That’s what blows my mind.
NebCon on September 25, 2012 at 5:35 PM
Here is an article about the blown calls during the Seahawk – Steelers Super Bowl.
http://seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2012557740_referee07.html
While I agree the calls may not have been as bad, the fact that it was during THE SUPER BOWL, and not week 3, kind of makes up for it.
Although the Seahawk QB getting a 15 yard penalty for illegal block while he was tackling the guy who intercepted his pass… really? Never have heard an explanation of that.
Full disclosure, worked for the Seahawks for a number of years. Life long 49ers fan so no love for the Packers. But in my opinion, G.B picked off that last pass after the Seahawks committed a flagrant pass interferance. Green Bay has a legit beef over the outcome of the game.
AndrewsDad on September 25, 2012 at 5:36 PM
I hope that when the real refs return they’re scrutinized as closely as the replacement refs. Then, people will see what many already know – the real refs suck too. The real refs are better at time management, keeping the game going so it ends in a tidy 3 hours. They make the trains run on time. When it comes to throwing the flag, they’re not as bad as the replacement refs, but that’s not saying much. They blow more than their fair share of calls, and they affect the outcome of just as many games as the replacements could over the course of a season. NFL officiating has sucked for decades, and if the lockout is necessary to change the rules so that refs can be evaluated and newer, younger refs can be hired and trained, then good. Let it happen. Fans are going to watch anyway, the league won’t suffer.
joejm65 on September 25, 2012 at 5:37 PM
Seriously . . . you think that losing the Super Bowl on blatantly bad calls is not as bad as a call that has two different interpretations as far as I have heard for a regular season game? Really????? Good grief!
Voter from WA State on September 25, 2012 at 5:40 PM
Well, in terms of the worst calls ever I wouldn’t put this in the top 10.
The number 1 spot is reserved for all time to the 1972 Russian/USA basketball final. Hard to label that the worst call though, because I think we presume a certain level of integrity on the part of the officials (integrity not necessarily competence) and I think the refs in that game were determined to beat the Americans by any means necessary.
Among legitimate refs, the current champ has to be Denniker’s blown call in the 1985 World Series which literally stole the championship from St. Louis. Not that I cared either way.
PackerBronco on September 25, 2012 at 5:41 PM
Thank you for painting all of us who have lived or live in Seattle with a broad brush.
It is without question one of the most beautiful cities in the US . . . and it was actually judged as one of the most friendly and polite cities in the world. I have been to every large city in the US and nothing comes close to Seattle . . . well, maybe San Diego.
So, you may not like us . . . but other people do.
Voter from WA State on September 25, 2012 at 5:43 PM
I hope the creators of Madden13 create an expansion pack that allows you to play the season with the replacement refs.
Mike Honcho on September 25, 2012 at 5:44 PM
You must have worked for them when they were owned by Ken Behring.
Voter from WA State on September 25, 2012 at 5:45 PM
Needs a ‘Bust the Union’ button
faraway on September 25, 2012 at 5:46 PM
I think you watched the wrong clip.
BadgerHawk on September 25, 2012 at 5:47 PM
LevinFan on September 25, 2012 at 5:48 PM
We can all play ‘Spot the Union Hack on ESPN’ tonight. It’s a fun game.
I found Steve Young, Herm Edwards, Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon. They are Gold Level.
faraway on September 25, 2012 at 5:51 PM
Tate had BOTH HANDS on the ball when he hit the ground. In simultaneous possession, the possesion goes to the offense. Those are the rules.
And the Steelers were not the better team that year. They were actually very well matched, but the refs decided to give all benefit to the Steelers. Blown PI call on the first Seahawks TD that was called back . . . bad, bad call on Matt H. when he was just tackling . . . TD because Big Ben’s helmet crossed the line, not the ball . . . and it goes on and on.
But that is all in the past and it was much more consequential than a regular season game.
Voter from WA State on September 25, 2012 at 5:55 PM
Yeah these replacement refs are hacks, but (1) football is not the easiest game to judge; much of it is subjective with holding on nearly every play, and don’t get me started on pass interference; and (2) the real refs make lousy calls all the time as well. Anyone recall this one that cost the Chargers a game a few years back?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3594778
Erich66 on September 25, 2012 at 5:55 PM
The replacements also made a mess of the Pats game Sunday night. A link on Drudge goes to an article about players considering a strike to resolve things.
The situation can’t go on like this.
dogsoldier on September 25, 2012 at 5:57 PM
You have no clue what you’re talking about. Jennings had the ball in the air and when he was on the ground. Tate only had ONE HAND AT MOST on the ball. Then after five minutes of the refs staring at each other like morons Tate comes out with the ball. It wasn’t a fumble at the bottom of the pile.
It was a clear interception to anyone who has a brain or isn’t a complete homer.
And yes Pittsburgh was the better team. Much better defense, better QB, better running game, etc.
You should change your name to “Homer From WA State”.
How does it feel to have a game handed to you that you didn’t deserve?
LevinFan on September 25, 2012 at 5:58 PM
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