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Report: NFL to demote officiating crew that blew calls in Lions-Cowboys game

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell speaks to reporters following an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won 20-19. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth) (Michael Ainsworth, Copyright 2023 The Associated Press All Rights Reserved)

The officiating crew at the center of a blown call against the Lions on Saturday vs. the Cowboys will be demoted, according to a report.

Brad Allen, the head referee during the Lions-Cowboys game on Saturday night in Dallas, stood by the decision to throw a flag for illegal touching on the Lions, wiping out the game-winning points with 23 seconds left in the game.

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Video evidence and player reports after the game show Lions tackle Taylor Decker being told to report, walking over to Allen to report, and then lining up for the play. But the Allen claims Decker never reported.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the crew that messed up that call will not be calling games in the postseason.

“A large part of Brad Allen’s crew is not going to be officiating in the postseason,” Schefter said. “They’re going to get downgraded, and the chances are that many of them are not going to be involved in the postseason.”

The crew also appeared to call a tripping penalty on the wrong team earlier in the game.

For the Lions, it’s a bit late for apologies and changes. They lost a game they should have won, and they can’t get that one back.


About the Author
Ken Haddad headshot

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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