NFL refs union rejects idea it is aiding Kansas City Chiefs as ‘insulting’
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference at the Caesars Superdome on Feb 3.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LOS ANGELES – After Roger Goodell, commissioner of the National Football League (NFL), dismissed the idea that officials give deference to the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) released a statement on Feb 4 calling such theories “insulting and preposterous”.
The release from NFLRA executive director Scott Green began by thanking Goodell for his comments “about our members’ unwavering dedication to fairness and maintaining the integrity of the game”.
At issue is the notion that the Chiefs, and specifically three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are given favourable treatment when it comes to penalties called (or not called) in-game.
Green, speaking on behalf of the referees’ union, no doubt sees the situation differently.
“Officiating crews do not work the same team more than twice each regular season,” he said.
“It is insulting and preposterous to hear conspiracy theories that somehow 17 officiating crews consisting of 138 officials are colluding to assist one team.
“NFL officials are graded every week, on every single play of each game. These grades are the determining factor as to who receives post-season assignments.
“The NFLRA commends its members, who all strive to do exactly what all 32 NFL teams do, which is to excel at their jobs so that they are working the last game of the season – the Super Bowl.”
Theories were given some credence during the American Football Conference divisional round, where ESPN commentator Troy Aikman reacted in real time to a poor call against the Houston Texans for a late hit on Mahomes.
Not only did the scrambling quarterback give himself up and slide when two Texans players went for a tackle, the teammates launched into each other – making no contact with the 29-year-old Mahomes. “I could not disagree with that one more,” three-time Super Bowl winner Aikman said. “And he barely gets hit.”
Goodell said in his annual state of the NFL press conference on Feb 3 that the league likely will expand replay assist to include calls on quarterback slides.
Green attempted to convince fans that while calls can be missed, the integrity of the league’s referees was unimpeachable.
“There are many things that fans can worry about over a 17-game season,” he said.
“Such as coaching decisions, player injuries, the weather and, yes, even close calls on incredible plays made by incredible athletes.
“But you can rest assured that on every single down, NFL officials, both on the field and in the replay booth, are doing everything humanly possible to officiate every play correctly.”
Ron Torbert will be the head referee for Super Bowl LIX on Feb 9, when the Chiefs face the Philadelphia Eagles. It will be his second Super Bowl assignment. REUTERS
