This season, it has become routine to witness NFL officials facing harsh criticism for missing calls, odd calls, or a general lack of consistency, almost weekly.
The controversy may have peaked during Monday Night Football’s national ABC broadcast when Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman criticized the officiating staff for making a call on an apparent simple play that took too long.
Lawrence Cager of the New York Giants special team was hit by a kickoff that bounced out of bounds with less than a minute remaining in the first half. Referees tossed a penalty flag because they failed to see it.
“The problem with all of this is just make a call. I mean there’s 13 seconds in the half, just make a decision,” Aikman said as officials looked at whether a kickoff went out of bounds on its own or if it bounced off another player.
“This is what stops all these games. And the officials, I know, they’ve been talked about every week but this is ridiculous what we’re watching right now.”
This is why Troy Aikman is the best analyst in the NFL. Not one other analyst would have the balls to destroy the refs like this. Not one. pic.twitter.com/ieXjtzRlQR
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) December 12, 2023
The crew needed a few minutes to determine that Cager was really struck by the ball and that there was no play-specific penalty.
It was unexpected for Aikman to snap at the referees because he is not known for his sharp observations in the broadcast booth.
Fans support Troy Aikman for his actions
These were the fans reactions to it :
I would listen to Aikman rant about literally anything https://t.co/4Q5Y6ikbmz
— Kalyn Kahler (@kalynkahler) December 12, 2023
I wish more analysts would point this out. The officials are too slow to make their rulings. It's not enough to get the call right, they need to rule decisively and keep the game going. Players shouldn't be standing around while the officials huddle. https://t.co/6weT5CKYZW
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) December 12, 2023
Best part was right after that when he said We see something it takes 5 seconds, it takes them 5 minutes
— SFloyd21 (@SFloyd21) December 12, 2023
ESPN Troy doesn't give a damn anymore and I honestly respect him for that. https://t.co/KNmxI3KJDd
— Mookie Alexander (@mookiealexander) December 12, 2023
Drives me up the tree that we're subjected to Land Clark every freakin week now!
— Tom Hallick, aka, Tommie Ballgame (Me/Just Me) (@TBone68) December 12, 2023
As a lifelong Eagles fan.. it’s still absurd to me that two of my favorite announcers are former Dallas quarterbacks 🤷🏻♂️
— Mike Lawrence (@AwesemYo) December 12, 2023
Amen … https://t.co/wcip7YpAom
— Duane M. Goins (@HM2099) December 12, 2023
When Patrick Mahomes‘ Hail Mary to Marquez Valdes-Scantling was broken up last week, Aikman and Buck were on the call. It seemed that Green Bay defensive back Jonathan Owens struck the receiver early. The game ended in controversy.
Read More : Bikini Photos Of Ex-Cowboy QB Troy Aikman’s New Girlfriend Haley Clarke Who’s 22 Years Younger Than Him
While remaining composed tonight, Mahomes was furious Sunday night after an offensive offsides call against Kadarius Toney ruined a touchdown and prevented important points from being scored.
