After a controversial officials' ruling left the Seattle Seahawks winning in a bizarre finish over the Green Bay Packers on "Monday Night Football," Packers guard T.J. Lang tweeted: "Got f---- by the refs.. Embarrassing. Thanks nfl."
A short time later, Lang added: "F---- it NFL.. Fine me and use the money to pay the regular refs." Packers guard Josh Sitton also took issue with the finish, suggesting the NFL owes the team an apology. Seahawks receiver Golden Tate's comments about the catch set Sitton off further as he tweeted: "Golden tate is full of s--- too. Saying he clearly caught that is embarrassing! F---- jokers!"
Many on Twitter and ESPN's conversations agreed that it's time for the NFL to do something about the officiating, which has been at issue this season after the league locked out its regular game officials in a contract dispute.
NFL players
#NFL 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!
— Greg Jennings (@GregJennings) September 25, 2012
13th man beat us tonight.
— Tom Crabtree (@TCrabtree83) September 25, 2012
Can't believe this.. Never seen anything like it.
— cj wilson (@cjwilson95) September 25, 2012
I love this league and love the game of football, but tonight's debacle hurts me greatly. This is NOT the league we're supposed to represent
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) September 25, 2012
Ironic that our league punishes those based on conduct detrimental. Whose CONDUCT is DETRIMENTAL now?
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) September 25, 2012
If the refs can do that than @jonvilma51 should be able to play next game .....
— MikeMcKenzie34ways (@MikeMcKenzie34w) September 25, 2012
As an NFL player.. knowing how much goes into this game.. Its demoralizing & hurts
— Visanthe Shiancoe (@VShiancoe) September 25, 2012
Drama. Great for business. Godspeed, Ed Hochuli.
— Arian Foster (@ArianFoster) September 25, 2012
#MNFcircus act...Gruden is right "this is wrong"
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) September 25, 2012
This is what the NFL has come down to, &yet they tell you to respect the shield! Lol. But they'll try to fine us for everything thing we do.
— DARNELL DOCKETT (@ddockett) September 25, 2012
This is crazy... I'm still SMH... Can't call it!!!! Refs r a joke...they also missed that O Pass interference on Tate... 2 hand push off
— Derek Hagan(@dhagan80) September 25, 2012
Refs single handedly blew this one...
— Reggie Bush (@reggie_bush) September 25, 2012
4 yrs, 4 staffs, each staff coached:"DO NOT try to intercept it! BAT IT DOWN"
— Aaron Curry (@AaronCurry51) September 25, 2012
You have the Immaculate Reception in Pittsburg with Franco Harris and then u have the Immaculate Deception from last night!
— Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) September 25, 2012
I had to check my TV Guide bc for a sec I thought I was watching Punk'd... I was just waiting for Ashton to pop out... Smdh
— Brian Hartline (@brianhartline) September 25, 2012
I've been saying give the refs a break but that TD call was ridicules. How do you miss that? Pop Warner refs would have gotten that right.
— Tony Gonzalez (@TonyGonzalez88) September 25, 2012
For the NFL to tell u as the fans there is nothing wrong with these officials is a slap in the face to u!!!! #ReplacementRefs
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisNFL) September 25, 2012
Athletes and observers
These replacement refs gotta go man!! Packers just got game took from them. I LOVE NFL football to much to see this type of work.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 25, 2012
Embarrassment for everyone at the NFL. This ref mess is costing people games and is gonna cost someone their health and a JOB soon!#shame
— Jason Taylor (@JasonTaylor) September 25, 2012
I would love to see what my reaction would be if a Mavs game ended like #MNF. #Expensive #NBAtime
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) September 25, 2012
Crazy last play @seahawks win. Amazing game by D pass rush, special teams and heave by @dangerusswilson and @showtimetate catch! Wow.
— Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) September 25, 2012
All @nfl fans watch the Ryder Cup this week, we got no refs. #USA
— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) September 25, 2012
Fan reaction
CityofSteel1979:
That wasnt even close to a simultaneous catch.
PackerBadg3rFAN: I'm done with nfl football until they reward the packers the game..
utepforever: Wow! What a terrible call. Offensive pass interference..Green bay wins. Just sayin'!
Canefan321:
give the regular refs whatever they want . At least this wasn't a postseason game.
nancyjfey:
Wow, Seattle Seahawks were given a gift by the replacement officials. First the officials missed the pass interference by Tate then they gave him the touchdown when Jennings clearly had the ball. It is time for the NFL to settle with the referees already.
djrussum:
I am a Seahawks fan but if this doesn't push the ref situation over the edge I don't know what will.
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