SteelerJesse James‘ overturned touchdown was influenced by Al Riveron, the NFL’s Senior VP of Officiating who is in his first year on the job.
On Monday night, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote a story detailing how Riveron’s decisions have resulted in three Patriot victories this season that includes the Steelers’ overturned touchdown pass role in Pittsburgh’s loss to New England on Sunday night.
|
Advertisement |
Per Bouchette, here is the other two plays that Riveron ruled in New England’s favor:
– Brandon Cooks’ game-winning touchdown against the Texans. Despite Cooks losing control of the ball as it hit the ground, Riveron did not overturn the officials’ call on the field.
– The Jets’ Austin Seferian-Jenkins fumbled the ball (that went through the back of the end zone) after not being touch and after he crossed the goal line upon catching a 4-yard touchdown pass against the Patriots. After being called a touchdown on the field, Riveron overturned the call upon further review. source
Riveron explained the decision to overturn James’ touchdown in the following video released on Sunday night.
While he went out of his way to state that he was not accusing of Riveron of favoritism towards the Patriots, Bouchette nevertheless pointed out the facts: Riveron has played a substantial role in New England’s current standing in the AFC playoff picture.