While there was little, if anything, referee Clete Blackman could say after Sunday's AFC Championship game to calm the sea of ββanger engulfing NFL officials, it was nice to hear him at least try to explain Controversial invitations to Chiefs' way amid concerns about favoritism toward Kansas City Chiefs.
In order for a referee to be available after the match, a pool report must be requested by a member of the press in attendance. That didn't happen during the Chiefs' 32-29 home win over the Bills, according to Pro Football Talk.
Therefore, Blackman was able to fly to Kansas City at night without facing the music.
So he didn't have to answer a controversial turnover call against the Bills when it looked like Josh Allen might have caught a first down on fourth-and-1 early in the fourth quarter while leading 22-21, a decision that was upheld after review.
The Chiefs scored a touchdown on the next drive to take a 29-22 lead.
Blackman also didn't have to answer for giving Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy a shot late in the first half on a 50-50 ball that appeared to hit the ground.
NFL fans were already angry after the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes were the beneficiaries of questionable calls during their win over the Texans in the divisional round.
This included an unnecessary roughing penalty against Houston when two of the team's players collided as Mahomes slid under them, as officials deemed there had been contact with Mahomes.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday that the NFL could expand its replay assistance system this season to include quarterback segments.
Schefter also pointed out in the Against one of these sanctions against presidents.
Ron Torbert will be the referee for the 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans on February 9, as the Chiefs look to become the first team ever to win three straight Super Bowls when they face the Eagles.
The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35 in the Super Bowl two years ago.
