NFL shows support of highly criticized referee crew
In the most recent instance, the NFL is choosing to ignore the obvious officiating issue that exists.
Referee Brad Allen and his team, who drew harsh criticism for how the Lions-Cowboys game concluded in Week 17, have been assigned to Saturday’s Steelers-Ravens game, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In the Lions’ 20-19 loss to the Cowboys last week, Allen and his team misheard which lineman was an eligible receiver on a two-point conversation try. If the referee had accurately heard the players—which they did because it was a successful conversion—Detroit would have probably won the game. However, that did not happen.
Now they are being put back on national television in a game that has high playoff implications. The Ravens (13-3) already locked up the AFC’s No. 1 seed, but the Steelers (9-7) are still fighting for their postseason lives.
Given Allen and his crew’s recent record, those in Pittsburgh must be even more nervous ahead of the regular season finale in Baltimore. If the reffing dictates the ending of this game, the backlash against the NFL’s officiating will become much louder.
Jets QB Aaron Rodgers joined the conversation on Tuesday. He said it’s clear who the best refs are and that the league shouldn’t be allowing anyone but the best to officiate as the games get more important late in the season.
“I think as players, we know who the best refs are,” Rodgers stated on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “When you get to the playoffs it should be the top of the top.”
Although Allen and his team are not part of that exclusive group of referees, they are being regarded as such. By letting them return to the stadium this weekend, the NFL is taking a chance, and it is obviously hoping that they can make amends.
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