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Former Rams quarterback Jared Goff, now with the Lions, has declared that he has no intentions of apologizing to Saints fans for the infamous NFC Title Game incident.
In a lighthearted and candid exchange on the widely-followed podcast “Pardon My Take,” Goff was asked if he owes the Saints fans an apology.
The incident in question dates back to the NFC Championship game during the 2018 playoffs when the Saints were pitted against the Rams.
The game gained notoriety for what is often deemed the most significant non-call in playoff history.
4 years ago today, the #Saints suffered the biggest non-call in playoff history on the NFC Championship.#Rams CB Nickell Robey-Coleman committed unpenalized DPI on WR Tommylee Lewis near the end of regulation.
The Rams went on to win 26-23 in overtime.pic.twitter.com/uEhv5EP9Vj
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 20, 2023
Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman’s uncalled pass interference on Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis near the end of regulation caused uproar among fans and analysts alike.
The absence of a penalty flag ignited heated debates about the fairness and accuracy of referee decisions.
The Rams eventually clinched a 26-23 victory over the Saints in overtime, a result that generated substantial controversy and discontent among Saints supporters.
Despite the uproar, Goff, who was the Rams quarterback at the time, made it clear during his podcast appearance that he does not feel compelled to apologize for the outcome of the game.
Will @JaredGoff16 ever apologize to Saints fans for what happened in the NFC Title Game?
Nope.
Presented by @CoorsLight #ad pic.twitter.com/MnX95ajUTm
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) August 4, 2023
Goff’s reasoning, as explained on the podcast, revolves around the notion that the non-call did not definitively seal the game’s fate.
He pointed out that the Saints had an opportunity to win the game even after the controversial incident, as they possessed the ball during the overtime period.
The outcome of the game was not solely determined by that one play, according to Goff, which has led him to firmly stand by his decision to not issue an apology to Saints fans.
While the incident remains a sore spot for Saints fans, Goff’s light-hearted take on the situation provides an amusing twist to the ongoing debate surrounding the NFC Title Game controversy.
Whether his stance will change any minds or further fuel the discussion is yet to be seen, but for now, Goff’s refusal to apologize remains a playful footnote in the saga of one of the NFL’s most contentious moments.