Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas wasn’t afraid to question the officiating following his team’s 28-26 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.
Despite the fact that Seattle fell down 21-3 due to horrendous play early on, it was able to pull to within two points before a controversial ruling in St. Louis’ favor on a Tre Mason fumble enabled the Rams to kneel down in victory formation for the win.
The rules are a bit strange as it relates to plays like this, but it is readily apparent that the officials on the ground in St. Louis didn’t take the time to make sure they got the call right. In the end, the call might have been justified but that didn’t stop Thomas from sounding off (via Seattle Times).
At least give us a shot. But you know what? I’m not surprised with the referees this season. If you really look at some plays, we’re playing more than our opponents. We’re playing the referees too. I don’t care what anybody is saying. Something is wrong. That needs to be brought up.
There’s never an explanation. It’s kind of crazy how football is turning out now. You give a guy, just because he wears a white and black shirt, he has authority of the game. Man, they need to stay out of it — that’s my key — and let us dominate.
Unfortunately for Thomas and the Seahawks, the team hasn’t necessarily been dominating. And in reality, a lot of that has to do with their performance on the field and not the officiating taking place during games.
Looking at it from a league-wide standpoint, Thomas does have a point here. Officiating has been even more questionable this season than in the past.
But you can’t really lay into the officials when, as the defending Super Bowl champions, you need a late-game prayer to defeat a one-win football team.
Photo: NBCSports.com