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A bizarre “administrative timeout” during the AFC Championship game between the Ravens and Chiefs sparked a reaction online. The unexpected pause in action left many viewers dumbfounded.
The delay came in the first quarter of action with Baltimore mounting a drive into Kansas City territory.
Lamar Jackson burst through the line of scrimmage on a crucial fourth-and-one play, scampering 21 yards for a new set of downs. With the Ravens seemingly building momentum in hopes of responding to a Travis Kelce touchdown reception, officials stopped the game.
Many immediately reacted.
“‘Administrative timeout’ after a ravens explosive play… convenient.”
“Ravens start to get momentum. ‘The game will be stopped for an administrative timeout.'”
“Timeout after a big first down for the Ravens… hmmm.”
“Administrative Timeout = We’ve gone off the script. Please hang on.”
There had already been speculation of the NFL wanting to see Kansas City in the Super Bowl given its interesting choice of officiating assignment for the AFC Championship.
Others, however, believed it was simply a way to squeeze in a few more commercials.
Administrative timeout.
Translation: “We need to play some more commercials.”— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) January 28, 2024
“CBS hears ‘administrative timeout’ and can go straight to commercial.”
“Administrative timeout, straight to a long commercial break. Nice job Roger.”
When the action picked back up, Jim Nantz filled NFL viewers in on the reported reason for the stop. Apparently, a drone was flying too close to the stadium.
CBS reports a drone prompted the NFL “administrative timeout” in Chiefs Ravens AFC Championship Game.
Not sure if that means it came too close to the field/venue (FAA governs such things). https://t.co/C3w08Z51Ty— Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) January 28, 2024
Nantz made it clear that it wasn’t the CBS crew’s device.
“An administrative timeout… you may have not heard of one like that before,” the broadcaster said. “But it was a drone apparently that was interfering too close to the play. It was not ours, we’re told.”
Very strange!
The Ravens wouldn’t lose any momentum on the drive, going on to score a game-tying touchdown. They used the opportunity to then troll Taylor Swift and the Chiefs.