Sidewalks Chalk

NFL Green Bay Packers at Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson game winning interception, Hail Mary pass, September 24, 2012.

The NFL released their statement on the final call of the Green Bay Packers “loss” to the Seattle Seahawks.

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.

I viewed the Monday night game in the last 3 minutes. These are replacement refs because the union refs are on strike.

But I have seen the union refs blow calls too, and?

Who is Ed Hochuli, The President of the NFL Referees Association Click Here

Don’t Blame Goodell for the NFL Referee Debacle Click Here

Read Full Post »