Officiating mistakes are an unfortunate but avoidable part of any game, including football.
However, the NFL should be taking every possible step to minimize these errors and ensure the integrity of the game.
A recent incident involving field judge Jeff Shears during a game in Cleveland highlights the importance of addressing this issue.
During the game, Browns receiver Amari Cooper caught a pass along the sideline and appeared to break free for what should have been a touchdown.
However, Shears blew the play dead, ruling that Cooper had gone out of bounds.
The video clearly shows that Shears was standing right there and made an inexplicable error in his judgment.
Official looking right at Amari Cooper's feet after he made a catch along the sideline ruled that Cooper stepped out of bounds, even though he clearly did not. https://t.co/iFzLILUUb4
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 24, 2023
This mistake was recorded in the official game summary, stating that “2-9-CLV 35 (2:38) (Shotgun) D.Watson pass deep. Cooper was pushed out of bounds by an opposing player.
However, it is evident from the video that no such push occurred. It is disconcerting that the only person who believed in this inaccurate ruling was the official who was right there on the spot.
Frankly, there’s not much that can be done to prevent mistakes like this. It’s critical that the league nevertheless try, especially in an age of legalized gambling. Said Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2012.
Ultimately, even if no foul play is occurring, officiating mistakes like the one witnessed in Cleveland will lead people to question the integrity of the game.
