Another day, another complaint about an NFL rules analyst getting a call seriously wrong. This time it’s CBS Rules Expert and former referee Gene Steratore.
During Sunday’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers, a seemingly backwards pass from Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett was ruled incomplete rather than a fumble. Referees reviewed the play and still determined that it was an incomplete pass.
While CBS commentator Charles Davis admonished the referees for the call, Steratore continued to defend it.
“You know, sometimes these are really difficult in that ‘stands world’ because of that angle and when you’re looking at it,” Steratore said, via On3. “To me, it was just not enough to overturn one way or the other, guys. I know you may disagree with me, Charles, but I just felt like it was a tough one.”
NFL fans didn’t appreciate that statement and have been raking him over the coals ever since:
Ball CLEARLY goes backward
There is agreeing with Charles Davis here, or being wrong
— Steve Svekis (@Pac_Dozen) November 12, 2023
Gene is a coward who will always defend his buddies
— sam stan (@thagreatsambino) November 12, 2023
Former official defending the officials, shocker.
— Jon Iaccino (@ji711) November 12, 2023
The only reason they bring guys like Steratore on are so they can brainwash us that these obvious missed calls were somehow correct ones.
Product has become a total joke.
— GPenddak (@GPenddak) November 12, 2023
At a time when the minutiae of rules can be the difference between a win and a loss, getting every single call right is essential.
The fact that even the current and former officials can’t seem to get obvious calls right is very, very bad for the NFL.