NFL players speak out on controversial Monday night finish
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Monday night's controversial finish between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks has sparked reaction from players from around the league.
The Seahawks were given a 14-12 victory when the replacement officials awarded Seattle receiver Golden Tate a touchdown on the final play of the game. Green Bay defensive back M.D. Jennings appeared to corral Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson's desperation heave to the back of the end zone, with Tate also getting his arm between Jennings' body and the ball.
One official ruled it a touchdown on simultaneous possession, although another official appeared set to call it an interception and a touchback. The referee never conferred with the two officials in the end zone and went to a video review, which, by rule, could not overturn the simultaneous possession and could only determine if the pass was incomplete.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The bizarre conclusion Monday, along with several other notable gaffes during the first three weeks, has fueled the call from players for the NFL to end the lockout of the regular officials.
Many players went to Twitter to voice their displeasure.
"Com'on can we please get the real refs back. Destroying the game that we all grew to love. WOW!!!!!!" wrote Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I love this league and love the game of football, but tonight's debacle hurts me greatly," tweeted New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. "This is NOT the league we're supposed to represent."
"Refs single handedly blew this one," wrote Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush.
"I've been saying give the refs a break but that TD call was ridicules," tweeted Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez. "How do you miss that? Pop Warner refs would have gotten that right."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A few Packers also weighed in after the game.
"13th man beat us tonight," wrote tight end Tom Crabtree in reference to the Seattle crowd known as the 12th man.
"C'MON MAN! Can't even be upset anymore. All I can do is laugh. Laugh at the #NFL for allowing America's game to come this. WOW!" wrote wide receiver Greg Jennings.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Numerous Packers wrote comments on Twitter that could not by published.