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James Harrison was not happy with officiating while watching the Steelers play the Colts on Sunday afternoon. He believes referees directly impacted the outcome of the contest.
Harrison specifically called out a personal foul on Pittsburgh defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick that gave Indianapolis a free first down.
The Colts faced a 2nd-and-10 in their own territory during the third quarter as they looked to add to a 17-10 lead. Signal caller Joe Flacco attempted to connect with wideout Adonai Mitchell but overthrew his intended target.
Fitzpatrick pursued the football at full speed before trying to pull up when realizing the pass wouldn’t be caught. He was unable, however, to avoid contact.
This was called unnecessary roughness on minkah fitzpatrick going full speed lmaoo nfl is so soft pic.twitter.com/oLVGSx662D
— John (@iam_johnw) September 29, 2024
Refs threw a flag on the play, turning 3rd-and-10 into 15 yards and a first down. Indianapolis would later score a touchdown on the drive to go up 24-10.
James Harrison wasn’t happy!
He immediately ripped the officiating crew online.
That call on Fitzpatrick is going to change the whole outcome of this game! @NFL @steelers
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) September 29, 2024
Minkah Fitzpatrick, too, was confused about the personal foul.
“I thought we were playing football,” he said in a postgame interview. “This is not the game I grew up playing… you can’t hit anybody.”
The Steelers would eventually pull to within three points, falling 27-24 in their first loss of the season.
Harrison, again, emphasized his opinion of the referees. He refused to remain silent. The NFL can’t fine him anymore!
Final score @NFLOfficiating @Colts win the game 24-27!
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) September 29, 2024
The criticism doesn’t change the outcome, unfortunately.