Packers vs. Seahawks: Hail Mary Call Should Be Final Straw for Replacement Refs

By now, it is almost certain that you have seen and levied your opinion on the final play of Monday night's game between the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers.

Down 12-7 with time for one more play from the Packers' 24-yard line, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson drops back to about the 39-yard line and hoists a Hail Mary pass to the end zone. Targeted receiver Golden Tate first pushes a Green Bay defender out of the way (no penalty flag was thrown) and then makes what looked like a futile attempt to wrestle the ball away from cornerback M.D. Jennings, who seemingly caught the ball for an interception. 

Unfortunately for the Packers, that was not the case—at least in one official's eyes. The play was called a touchdown catch (by rule of simultaneous possession) and the call was upheld on review, giving the Seahawks a controversial 14-12 victory.

For proper perspective, here is a look at the full play:

By all rational accounts, that pass was intercepted and the officials blew the call. Analysts, fans and players all took to Twitter and any other avenues they had to discuss their frustration and disgust with the end of the game.

Nevertheless, the heart of the scorn did not fall on the call itself. By now, most have exasperated their anger toward replacement officials and substituted it for pure sarcastic laughter. 

Instead, the lashing out was more pointed toward the National Football League, specifically commissioner Roger Goodell, for failing to reach a settlement with the regular referees.

Embroiled in a heated labor dispute, these two sides seemed nowhere near an agreement heading into this week's action. It stands to reason that if there is anything that should get these two sides to the negotiating table, one of the most embarrassing ends to a game in NFL history should do the trick. 

The replacement officials have been obviously overmatched since Week 1. From lengthy huddles to discuss the most basic calls to blatant misunderstandings of the rulebook, officiating problems have mired an otherwise fantastic early-season slate of football.

Nonetheless, this was the first call that truly cost a team a victory. 

There are phrases constantly bandied around in professional sports like "the integrity of the game" and "ruined legacy" that are overused by the hyperbolic populous. However, when speaking of Goodell's long-term legacy in the NFL, those phrases are perfectly apt when discussing the referee situation.

By continuing with these replacement officials, Goodell is not hurting the league's reputation—he is systematically destroying it. How can a man so stringent on concussion safety and player protection be so negligent about retaining the policing force of his policies?

If Goodell uses this farce of a finish to help bring back the regular referees, it's likely that the casual fans forget this scandal by January. 

However, it is almost certain that the lockout will continue for the foreseeable future at this point. This is no longer a question of money or principle, but one of pure bull-headed pride. 

By now, the regular league officials have had their confidence greatly buoyed by the ineptitude of their replacements that there is no way they come to the bargaining table without a desired agreement. 

And, as for the NFL, let's just say it's understandable to have skepticism about Goodell's willingness to do what is in the best interest of the game.

For evidence of that, here is a snippet of the league's statement released today regarding the Hail Mary call (via NFL.com):

"

Replay Official Howard Slavin stopped the game for an instant replay review. The aspects of the play that were reviewable included if the ball hit the ground and who had possession of the ball. In the end zone, a ruling of a simultaneous catch is reviewable. That is not the case in the field of play, only in the end zone.

Referee Wayne Elliott determined that no indisputable visual evidence existed to overturn the call on the field, and as a result, the on-field ruling of touchdown stood. The NFL Officiating Department reviewed the video today and supports the decision not to overturn the on-field ruling following the instant replay review.

"

By standing with the call and not simply issuing a necessary apology, the league is essentially gearing up for a long-term dispute instead of standing down.

The NFL should privately apologize to the regular officials, pony up whatever extra money is necessary to get them back and sign on the dotted line in time for kickoff of the Thursday Night Football game.

Unfortunately, what should and what will happen are almost assuredly two different things. 

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