For a league that prides itself on airtight officiating—officiating that has never been better, according to a recent declaration from commissioner Roger Goodell—this was not an ideal outcome.
The NFL's referees found themselves back in the spotlight after whistling Eagles cornerback James Bradberry for a controversial holding call in the final two minutes of the Chiefs' 38–35 victory in Super Bowl LVII. The call gave Kansas City new life on third-and-eight, and they capitalized on the opportunity with a go-ahead field goal from kicker Harrison Butker.
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In a sign of fans' distrust in the officiating process, "The Refs" trended on Twitter as the Chiefs celebrated their third Super Bowl victory.
Some tweets came in the form of sour grapes from Eagles fans.
Some came in the form of general groveling from neutral fans and analysts.
And some came in the form of grave-dancing as a season for the ages in Philadelphia ended without a title.
