Forward of the Tremendous Bowl, referees are underneath loads of scrutiny, with followers and consultants debating whether or not the officers favor the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
Troy Aikman, an ESPN broadcaster and Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer, mentioned the league “owes” it to its followers to handle the officiating points, particularly with how a lot cash individuals have at stake once they gamble and the NFL persevering with to advertise betting.Â
“I do know the officers have a troublesome job. I imply, the scrutiny that they’re underneath. As we’ve gotten extra superior with prompt replay, these guys, it appears, have grow to be increasingly more scrutinized,” Aikman mentioned throughout a latest look on “SI Media with Jimmy Traina.”
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Corridor of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman earlier than a recreation Nov. 6, 2023, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (Wealthy Graessle/Icon Sportswire through Getty Pictures)
“And the sport has not grow to be much less controversial. The sport has grow to be extra controversial,” Aikman mentioned. “I simply suppose that we’re at some extent that this has tipped slightly bit as a result of the league is companions with plenty of these playing providers.
“Right here you’re selling playing — individuals are playing greater than they ever have earlier than and people sorts of calls – there’s loads at stake regardless. However particularly while you’re contemplating there’s some huge cash that’s altering fingers with these calls as nicely.Â
“I feel that we owe it to the followers that we get it proper, and I feel we’re at a time limit the place we will. We are able to get it extra proper. So, that was actually my place in simply attempting to lean on the NFL and say, ‘Hey, we gotta repair this. We gotta deal with it within the offseason.’”
The dialog concerning the referees continued after final week’s AFC championship win for the Chiefs.
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TV commentator Troy Aikman earlier than a recreation between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cincinnati Bengals Dec. 4, 2023, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire through Getty Pictures)
Buffalo Payments quarterback Josh Allen’s failed fourth down conversion on a QB sneak grew to become a hotly debated subject as a result of some observers questioned whether or not the Chiefs truly stopped him in need of a primary down.
Chiefs huge receiver Xavier Worthy’s reception whereas battling with Payments security Cole Bishop for the ball within the first half additionally had followers skeptical that the referees made the proper name as a result of it appeared like Bishop had a superb maintain on the ball.Â
Tavia Hunt, the spouse of Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, took to social media to handle the “referee favoritism” forward of the Tremendous Bowl.
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The Tremendous Bowl continues to be over every week away, and conversations concerning the officiating gained’t go away anytime quickly.Â
The Chiefs tackle the Philadelphia Eagles within the Tremendous Bowl Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
FOX’s Tremendous Bowl protection begins at 1 p.m. ET. Protection may also be streamed dwell on Tubi for the primary time ever.
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