It has become nearly impossible for questionable NFL officiating not to become the focal point of post-game discussions.
A recent plethora of blown calls, many of which have unfortunately determined the outcome of games, has drawn the ire of both current and former players.
Former Seahawks standout Richard Sherman lamented the issue plaguing the league while appearing on FS1's Undisputed on Monday.
The five-time Pro Bowler blasted officials, claiming the referees are “ruining the beautiful game” of football.
"I'm very frustrated with the officiating in the NFL right now because they are determining way too many ball games and getting way too involved in the ball games,” said Sherman. "They're affecting ball games. This beautiful game we play is being ruined by things [bad calls] like this."
.@RSherman_25 is frustrated with the officiating in the NFL:
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) October 23, 2023
“Officiating is determining way too many ball games, this beautiful game is being ruined.” pic.twitter.com/AbaWjGWuPC
In Week 7 alone, two bad calls were at the forefront of sports talk shows and social media.
A bad spot by referees on a fourth-and-one by the Steelers prevented the Rams from getting an opportunity to tie the game. While in Indianapolis, the Colts recovered a fumble in the final seconds that was negated by a highly questionable illegal contact penalty that kept the ball in Cleveland's possession. The Browns scored several plays later and won the game 39–38 in controversial fashion.
