NFL Ref Clay Martin Explains Riq Woolen's Controversial Taunting Penalty from Seahawks' Win

The Seattle Seahawks outlasted the Los Angeles Rams in a thriller to advance to Super Bowl LX, but a controversial taunting call on cornerback Riq Woolen late in the third quarter almost hurt their chances of making it to the Big Game.

After Sunday's NFC Championship, NFL referee Clay Martin was asked about the taunting call on Woolen, and he explained that the penalty was assessed due to "continued jawing in the opponent's bench area after being asked to walk away."

The Seahawks were leading 31-20 when Woolen forced an incompletion by Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford on a third-and-12 pass play late in the third quarter. Rather than returning to his own sideline, he spent some time celebrating in front of Los Angeles' coaches and players, drawing a 15-yard penalty that gave the Rams the first down.

To make matters even worse, Woolen was burned for a 34-yard touchdown from Stafford to star receiver Puka Nacua on the very next play after being called for taunting, making it a one-score game.

Woolen was then seen on the sidelines in a confrontation with multiple teammates. Luckily for him, the Seahawks held on for a 31-27 win to reach their first Super Bowl since the 2014 season.

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Despite his faux pas, Woolen hasn't fallen out of favor with Seattle's coaching staff. He also clarified that he "wasn't getting pressed" by his teammates on the sidelines during the brief confrontation and still considers them "brothers."

"Riq's done a tremendous job for us," Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said after the game, per ESPN's Brady Henderson. "Yeah, you're frustrated in the moment about what's happening. But he just made an emotional decision. But we've got to pick him up. That's not the time to get all upset. You've got to go play the next play. I know they scored the next play and you've got to go rebound and come back. Riq came back and played well the rest of the game."

Woolen is set to become a free agent at the end of this season, so his performance in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots could go a long way toward determining his future.