Refs From Lions-Cowboys Game Get Primetime TV Game After Controversy

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It appears that controversy did not end up hurting the refs from the Lions-Cowboys game.

Over the weekend, referee Brad Allen’s crew found themselves under fire after the Lions–Cowboys primetime TV game ended with the Lions being penalized for not reporting offensive lineman Taylor Decker as an eligible receiver on a crucial two-point conversion.

Decker claims he reported to Allen, while Allen insists he did not.

Eventually, the NFL decided to put the blame on the Lions for sending too many players at the refs while trying to report Decker as an eligible receiver.

Via Pro Football Talk

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the NFL does not plan to change the procedure for players reporting as eligible. The league views the situation as an effort by the Lions to engage in deception and gamesmanship that backfired.

Basically, the Lions wanted the Cowboys to think Skipper was reporting as eligible and that Decker was not. Which would have caused the Cowboys to cover Skipper, not Decker, when the play unfolded. The problem is that, in trying to confuse the Cowboys, the Lions confused Allen.

Despite the fact Allen’s crew has been under scrutiny over missed calls this season, the NFL decided to award them another primetime TV game this weekend.