NFL referee crew done for postseason following controversial whistle

The NFL referee crew led by Jerome Boger has come under hot-water for their performance in Cincinnati. While a litany of laundry that hit the field, a moment ignored by the crew has caused the biggest stir.

With under two minutes remaining in the first half, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow scrambled outside the pocket. As he neared the sideline, threw threw a strike to wide receiver Tyler Boyd in the end-zone. Everything was well and good — except an erroneous whistle blew while the ball was in the air, seemingly causing players to let-up.

Instead of replaying the down like the rule states, the crew decided the touchdowns stands. Bengals fans were happy, but Raiders fans and watchers with no dog in the fight were disappointed to see the rules not properly enacted. For spectators concerned about dealing with the same crew later in the playoffs, ESPN’s Adam Schefter has some good news.

“Referee Jerome Boger and the crew that worked the AFC wild-card game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals are not expected to officiate again this postseason after their problematic performance Saturday highlighted by a controversial whistle,” revealed Schefter.

Unfortunately, the only way to makes things right for Raiders faithful requires a time machine. Moving forward, the hope is referees will play a minimal role in the remaining playoff games — not starring characters like they were on Saturday in Cincinnati.

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Moreover, Schefter continued to state that many around the league weren’t surprised with the performance of Boger’s crew.

“One league source did not express surprise at Boger’s performance,” stated Schefter. “Others around the league have commented on it during various points of the season. The NFL has received mixed reviews for mixing its officiating crews in postseason games, taking officials from different crews and assigning them to work together.”

Evidently, it could’ve been a miscommunication due to the NFL mixing crews for the playoffs. However, the fish rots from the head down. The leader of the aforementioned crew isn’t highly-regarded in NFL circles as well.

At the least, the play took place early enough where the Raiders had plenty of time to rebound. Still, try telling that to the players who aren’t moving on because one referee was too quick with his whistle.