Brandon Lloyd Throws Ball at Ref: Cheap Shot or Bad Call?

Brandon Lloyd was penalized for throwing the ball at an official after a play in the second quarter on Sunday, but did he deserve it?

Lloyd did toss the ball in a rather aggressive manner, though from my perspective it looked like something we see hundreds of times every year. I mean, he did throw it a bit fast, but I certainly didn't see him attempting to show up the official or anything along those lines. 

His unsportsmanlike penalty cost the Patriots 15 yards and quite possibly seven points. After the penalty, the best New England could do was kick a field goal after being put in a 2nd-and-25 situation. 

Fox Sports' Mike Pereira thinks the refs made the right call:

"

Enough tweets asking about the UNS. He threw the ball at the official and then walked away with disdain.

— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) January 13, 2013"

But the overwhelming response from most folks on Twitter is a bit different.

PFF's J.J. Zachariason quips:

"

Brandon Lloyd doesn't get that penalty if the ref is a little more athletic.

— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) January 13, 2013"

Andrew Tornetta seems to agree:

"

That was a very strange penalty on Brandon Lloyd. He threw the ball to the ref, not at him, but Tony Corrente wasn't happy with the speed.

— Andrew Tornetta (@AndrewTornetta) January 13, 2013"

Sam Meuret isn't as diplomatic:

"

Brandon Lloyd gets a penalty because the ref can't catch.. #NEvsHOU

— Sam Meuret (@SamMeuret) January 13, 2013"

Bleacher Report's Alessandro Miglio has a suggestion for Lloyd:

"

Brandon Lloyd should run to the official, kneel and hold up the ball as a sacrifice the next time he catches one.

— Alessandro Miglio (@AlexMiglio) January 13, 2013"

Fake Sportscenter had a better idea:

"

Jets prepare 4 year guaranteed contract offer for Brandon Lloyd contingent upon him playing QB

— Fake SportsCenter (@FakeSportsCentr) January 13, 2013"

Twitter has spoken, but what do you think? 

Did Lloyd deserve to be penalized for his actions, or did the official just get caught off guard?

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78