Official that blew New Orleans Saints’ call to referee Super Bowl LIV
The referee that blew New Orleans Saints’ pass interference call against Los Angeles Rams in NFC championship game to call this year’s Super Bowl.
Head referee, Bill Vinovich, the referee responsible for what might have been the worst blown call in NFL history is set to referee this year’s Super Bowl LIV. For New Orleans Saints, it was a heartbreaking end to a great season on something they couldn’t control.
The 2018 NFC Championship game was played between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were playing for their second chance to get back to a Super Bowl since they won the trophy in 2010.
The Saints got out to an early 13-0 lead and it all seemed to be going in their favor. The Rams took over in the second quarter and put up ten points of their own. At halftime, the New Orleans Saints were up on the Rams 13-10.
The third quarter saw an equal number of points scored by both teams leading to the fourth quarter with the Saints up 20-17 on the Rams.
The Rams scored an early field goal tying the game at 20. Drew Brees led the Saints down the field for a game-sealing touchdown drive. However, with 1:41 left in the fourth quarter, Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman committed a blatant pass interference call.
Lead referee Bill Vinovich refused to throw a flag and at that time, pass interference calls could not be reviewed or overturned. Vinovich and the staff under him missed what could go down as the worst blown call in NFL playoff history.
Now, the referee has his skills put to the test on the biggest stage the game of football has to offer — the Super Bowl. Hopefully, this time on the stage will be a different story after the NFL put in rules to be able to challenge pass interference flags now.
The New Orleans Saints are unfortunately not in this game, but Vinovich will have to be on the top of his game. The Saints will be rooting for the Chiefs from the couch this year.