Officiating in the NFL has been a critical issue for most of the 2023 season. In fact almost every game, there were complaints from fans, with some even going as far as to saying that the game is rigged to benefit the other team. For his part, Roger Goodell shared his belief that the referees have done a great job, though he admitted there are ways things can improve.
The NFL Commissioner shared as much during the start of the Super Bowl 58 festivities on Monday. Talking in a live interview, Goodell addressed the criticisms towards officiating and dropped some hints on what else they can do to improve the overall experience.
What Did Roger Goodell Say About NFL Officiating?
For those hoping to hear Goodell admit the referees’ shortcomings, however, be prepared to be disappointed. The NFL Commissioner has no issue with how officials are managing the games, even heaping praise for the work they have done so far leading to the Super Bowl.
That’s not exactly the kind of comments fans would want to hear on a subject that they want to see changes on. Despite that, however, Goodell emphasized that no one is perfect and the league could certainly improve on certain aspects.
With that being said, Goodell did share that the league is looking at potentially integrating more technology when it comes to officiating. While he did not expound on their plans, it’s certainly a welcome development since it could potentially lessen wrong calls and biases.
“The level of scrutiny is at the highest I’ve ever seen it,” Goodell said on the criticisms on NFL referees, via Awful Announcing. “I think our officials do a great job. They are superior. But at the end of the day, no one’s perfect. … We have to continue to try to get better. … Use technology where we can.”
Roger Goodell on NFL officiating: "The level of scrutiny is at the highest I've ever seen it… I think our officials do a great job. They are superior. But at the end of the day, no one's perfect… We have to continue to try to get better… Use technology where we can." 🏈🦓 pic.twitter.com/AdPY8u2BPF
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 5, 2024
Of course fans would have been happier had Roger Goodell admitted the referees’ mistakes. Nonetheless, no commissioner would say something like that.
For now, fans can only hope to see some changes moving forward. Hopefully, the refereeing issues won’t be as prevalent come the Super Bowl 58 between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
NFL Officiating Issues
For those thinking about the last time fans complained about officiating, then look no further than the recent conference championships. In both games, several accusations about officials favoring the other team surfaced.
For one, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers went viral when he indicated to reporters following their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship that they expected Patrick Mahomes and Co. to get favorable calls.
Ravens fans also shared a number of videos to prove their claims that the NFL rigged the showdown to help the Chiefs make the Super Bowl.
It was the same case in the NFC Championship, with Detroit Lions supporters also showing receipts how the San Francisco 49ers benefited from several no-calls.
Obviously, Roger Goodell doesn’t see them as problems but rather a simple part of the game.
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