"NFL Officiating Under Fire: Boxing HOFer and Fans Criticize Referee Calls in Bills vs. Jets Clash"

Fans were left frustrated by a huge 22 penalties and an astonishing 204 yards surrendered in the Week 6 match between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets . The game many fans were hoping would be a clash of the titans between the Bills' power offense and the Jets' scary defense instead was defeated by lots of referee whistles and controversy surrounding officiating. Not even Aaron Rodgers ' Hail Mary attempt could save the day with errors from the officials ruining the flow of the game.


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Controversial Calls in the Third Quarter


The most controversial moment came during the third quarter when Bills linebacker AJ Epenesa sacked Rodgers with 9:32 left on the clock. The officials flagged the play as roughing the passer, claiming Epenesa put too much weight on the four-time MVP. This call ignited outrage online, as fans and analysts criticized the referees for what they saw as an excessive penalty in an already flag-heavy game.


Boxing HOFer Lou DiBella Weighs In


Legendary boxing promoter and International Boxing Hall of Famer Lou DiBella sounded off on social media, ranting against the refereeing: "This is a terrible, terrible call … the inconsistency and unpredictability of #NFL refereeing is reminiscent of #boxing judging. Where's the foul?!?! " DiBella wrote in, comparing the inconsistency to that from which he usually sees at the box.

This is a terrible, terrible, call ... the inconsistency and unpredictability of #NFL refereeing is reminiscent of #boxing judging. Where's the foul?!?! https://t.co/hZozSMpCkp

— Lou DiBella🥊 (@loudibella) October 15, 2024

Broader Criticism Times


DiBella was not alone in his outrage. Boxing powerbroker Rick Glaser echoed his sentiment as he called the “The #Bills-#Jets games was the worse played #NFL game I have ever seen. That was awful!! #MNF #ESPN #Football.” Glaser's words only added to the continuing litany of whiners, including fans and sports insiders, who believed that officiating had derailed what should have been a competitive battle. Even Rodgers himself didn't even satisfy his taste, saying after the game: “It seemed a little ridiculous. Some of them seemed really bad. Including the roughing the passer on me, that’s not roughing the passer.”


Similarities with Boxing Controversies


But NFL officials weren't alone. Critical remarks in the boxing world reached DiBella, who equated the controversy to another recent controversial sporting event-the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol boxing match. That play was thrilling but confusing for fans when the wide and disputed scorecards left some calling it a robbery. Questionable officiating sparked cries for more accountability again, this time in the ring.


Fans Left Frustrated


For the fans, it was a blunder weekend by the officials both on the gridiron and in the ring. Aggravations from the sporting spectacle translated into frustration circles in boxing, as many now begin to question the standards of refereeing and judging in the large sporting games. Whether the NFL takes action on the criticism of the referees is yet to be seen, but one thing is certain-two sport fans are demanding much better.


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