Many NFL fans felt the Indianapolis Colts got robbed Sunday by two controversial penalties late in their loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday the NFL admitted officials “did not make the correct calls.”
While Irsay’s admission might feel like vindication for him — not to mention for fans and players — it also violates league policy and will likely result in a penalty for him.
Irsay sent a news-filled tweet Tuesday. In the first part, he detailed Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson’s successful shoulder surgery. Then, Irsay tackled the subject that infuriated Colts fans Sunday.
“The NFL admits and understands that they did not make the correct calls at end of Sunday’s Colts/Browns Game,” Irsay tweeted. “I believe we need to institute Instant Replay for all calls, including Penalties, in the last two minutes of All Games.
URGENT NFL/COLTS NEWS:
🏈 #5 QB Anthony Richardson’s surgery today in LA was a success! It was a long procedure and his shoulder injury has been repaired. No new surprises were found during surgery – they just repaired what was expected. Anthony is doing well and thanks everyone…— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) October 25, 2023
Flash back to Sunday and the two controversial penalties officials called on the Colts in the final minute. The Browns had the ball deep in Colts territory on the first play, when Indy strip-sacked quarterback P.J. Walker and recovered the ball. That could have sealed the win for the Colts, but officials flagged cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. for illegal contact.
Brutal finish for the Colts against the Browns.
E.J. Speed strip sacks P.J. Walker. DeForest Buckner recovers, apparently clinching the game.
But Darrell Baker is penalized for illegal contact, negating the turnover and giving the Browns a first down. pic.twitter.com/hoYe7b1Tea
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 22, 2023
On the very next play, officials flagged Baker again, this time for pass interference, on what appeared to be an uncatchable throw out of the end zone intended for Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Baker is penalized again on the next play, this time for pass interference.
That gives the Browns a first down at the one-yard line. pic.twitter.com/7pfCjOQraN
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 22, 2023
The Browns scored to clinch the win, leaving fans up in arms over the two controversial penalties.
According to Irsay, the NFL apparently admitted officials erred on those two plays. But NFL team owners are prohibited from commenting on such issues. The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero laid out the rule and the consequences.
“The NFL communicates with teams on a weekly basis about various calls,” Pelissero tweeted. “Team officials are prohibited from commenting publicly on those discussions. Now, a team owner has publicly said the league admitted to officiating mistakes. Stay tuned …”
The NFL communicates with teams on a weekly basis about various calls. Team officials are prohibited from commenting publicly on those discussions. Now, a team owner has publicly said the league admitted to officiating mistakes. Stay tuned …
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 25, 2023
Fans quickly commented on both the NFL’s alleged admission, and Irsay’s apparent violation.
So the NFL can call everyone out for being wrong but no one call the NFL out?
— Tanner (@thall767) October 25, 2023
https://twitter.com/goonionx/status/1716997511808753933
Those refs need to be held accountable and not just a slap on the wrist.
— Colt (@FloridaHoosier5) October 25, 2023
NFL admits they screwed the Colts…
Their apology won’t help come end of season standings tho…
— Nathan Alan Barnhart (@RealNate018) October 25, 2023
Would be a nice change to allow replay on anything in those situations
— OddSmokerSteve (@OddSmokerSteve) October 25, 2023
They need full time refs. Those refs woulda replayed that call and gotten it wrong again.
— Colts J (@JColts37528) October 25, 2023
