CBS broadcaster Tony Romo was stunned by a missed call during the Baltimore Ravens' loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Buffalo is headed to the AFC Championship Game after a thrilling 27-25 win over the Ravens on Sunday night.
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Romo was on call at Highmark Stadium as the Bills moved to one game away from Super Bowl LIX.
But one play involving Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has the former caller in the broadcast booth baffled.
Jackson, the reigning MVP, rushed for his first touchdown during the game's second quarter.
The 28-year-old ran out of bounds, getting hit late and hard by Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver.
“Jackson faked the shot and took off for about 11 minutes,” CBS announcer Jim Nantz said on commentary.
“Which [hit] Maybe they were a little late… and they announced on this sideline that they did not appreciate it. But there is no science.”
“I mean I feel like that was late,” Romo added skeptically.
The Ravens players who were sidelined briefly wrestled with Oliver, who quickly dropped back into the formation.
Romo went on to call Jackson “too valuable” to lose to the Ravens.
He criticized the officiating staff for ignoring what appeared to be a prohibited tackle on the star QB.
“You can't let that happen,” he added.
“If he comes down [and is injured]”This changes everything very quickly.”
Fans quickly flocked to social media to comment on the lack of contact.
Many claimed that the penalty would have been imposed if it had been on quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was accused of preferential treatment from officials.
“If this is Mahomes then it's clearly a late hit and 15 yards away. It's so sad that the league values certain players over others,” said one angry fan.
“There would have been four flags if that had been Mahomes,” another said.
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What happens to the sweet money?
The NFL regularly fines athletes tens of thousands of dollars each week during the season.
But where does the money go?
The NFL claims that about $4 million annually has been used to support good causes since 2011.
According to the NFL's operations website, “Fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support Legends in Need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes at all levels, including youth football and the communities it supports. The game.”
“Chances of getting called if Mahomes = 100 percent,” a third added.
“NFL management is a complete disaster,” a fourth complained.
The Ravens' long wait for another Super Bowl appearance now extends to 13 years after the loss.
Meanwhile, Buffalo is just one game away from the final game in New Orleans on February 9.
The Bills haven't competed in a Super Bowl since 1993 and have never hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
They will face the defending champion Chiefs in the AFC Championship match scheduled for Sunday, January 26.
