NFL Supports Replacement Referee’s Decision Of Seattle’s TD Catch

In a statement released Tuesday, the NFL supported the controversial decision of the replacement referees to uphold the TD ruling that gifted the Seattle Seahawks a 14-12 win over the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football.

“The NFL officiating department reviewed the video today and supports the decision not to overturn the on-field ruling.” As time expired in the fourth quarter, it seemed like Seattle QB Russell Wilson’s pass was intercepted in the end zone, but after an ensuing scrum and an official conference, WR Golden Tate was awarded the game-winning score even though it seemed like Packers DB MD Jennings had possession.

However, the NFL also ruled that Tate was guilty of a penalty that should have made the previous discussion null and void: ”Tate can be seen shoving Green Bay cornerback Sam Shields to the ground. This should have been a penalty.” With the Seahawks out of time outs, a 10-second runoff would have occurred and ended the game. However, “it was not called and is not reviewable in instant replay.”

Here’s what it really came down to: “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.” The play was reviewable and it was right after the play. “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 league’s statement did not issue any apologies and stated the rule that they officials made a decision of a simultaneous catch in the end zone and the offense was rewarded with the reception. ”The result of the game is final,” the league wrote, but the complaints, uproar and the fan revolt against the replacement referees and commissioner Roger Goodell will continue.