Forward of the Tremendous Bowl, referees are underneath loads of scrutiny, with followers and specialists debating whether or not the officers favor the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
Troy Aikman, an ESPN broadcaster and Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer, mentioned the league “owes” it to its followers to deal with the officiating points, particularly with how a lot cash folks have at stake once they gamble and the NFL persevering with to advertise betting.
“I do know the officers have a troublesome job. I imply, the scrutiny that they’re underneath. As we’ve gotten extra superior with on the spot replay, these guys, it appears, have grow to be increasingly more scrutinized,” Aikman mentioned throughout a latest look on “SI Media with Jimmy Traina.”
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Corridor of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman earlier than a recreation Nov. 6, 2023, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (Wealthy Graessle/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos)
“And the sport has not grow to be much less controversial. The sport has grow to be extra controversial,” Aikman mentioned. “I simply assume that we’re at a degree that this has tipped a little bit bit as a result of the league is companions with a variety of these playing providers.
“Right here you might be selling playing — persons are playing greater than they ever have earlier than and people varieties of calls – there’s quite a bit at stake regardless. However particularly if you’re contemplating there’s some huge cash that’s altering palms with these calls as properly.
“I feel that we owe it to the followers that we get it proper, and I feel we’re at a cut-off date the place we will. We will get it extra proper. So, that was actually my place in simply attempting to lean on the NFL and say, ‘Hey, we gotta repair this. We gotta deal with it within the offseason.’”
The dialog in regards to the referees continued after final week’s AFC championship win for the Chiefs.
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TV commentator Troy Aikman earlier than a recreation between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Cincinnati Bengals Dec. 4, 2023, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photos)
Buffalo Payments quarterback Josh Allen’s failed fourth down conversion on a QB sneak grew to become a hotly debated subject as a result of some observers questioned whether or not the Chiefs really stopped him wanting a primary down.
Chiefs huge receiver Xavier Worthy’s reception whereas battling with Payments security Cole Bishop for the ball within the first half additionally had followers skeptical that the referees made the best name as a result of it regarded like Bishop had a superb maintain on the ball.
Tavia Hunt, the spouse of Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt, took to social media to deal with the “referee favoritism” forward of the Tremendous Bowl.
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Tremendous Bowl LIX shall be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)
The Tremendous Bowl remains to be over every week away, and conversations in regards to the officiating received’t go away anytime quickly.
The Chiefs tackle the Philadelphia Eagles within the Tremendous Bowl Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
FOX’s Tremendous Bowl protection begins at 1 p.m. ET. Protection will also be streamed reside on Tubi for the primary time ever.
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