In the longest instant replay challenge review yet (six weeks), Common Decency has emerged victorious and Ray Rice will be penalized for punching his fiancé unconscious. The original call, punching his wife unconscious, was overturned after officials were able to see evidence of a greater rule infraction: punching his fiancé unconscious.
Fans, however, were perplexed because even without the video evidence, it seemed obvious to all there that the greater infraction had taken place: punching his fiancé unconscious.
“We were aware that there was a penalty of some sort,” said head referee, Roger Goodell. “But until we saw the video, we really had no idea what actually could have happened in that scrum and what the level of the infraction could possibly have been. I mean, who could? Until we saw the video replay, it was a mystery!”
NFL officials have said that they will be reviewing this play and the conduct of the officials for some time to come with the hope that, in the future, officials will get the call right the first time.
Dave Narter
