NFL referee Brad Allen is set to officiate another game with playoff implications this week as the Baltimore Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. This follows a controversial finish between the Lions and Cowboys in which Allen was involved. Some have interpreted the assignment as a show of support from the NFL for Allen, who identified a different Lions offensive lineman reporting as eligible for a 2-point conversion play that was ultimately penalized last week.
According to a source from CBS Sports, Week 18 assignments for officials were determined as early as the first week of December, indicating that the NFL’s decision may not have been a direct response to recent events. However, the league has indirectly shown its support for Allen through other actions.
The NFL sent out an officiating video to all coaches and general managers reminding them of rules pertaining to players reporting as eligible. The video, narrated by NFL SVP of officiating training and development Walt Coleman, used clips solely from the Lions-Cowboys game to emphasize that it was the Lions who were at fault for the penalty.
Coleman stated: “It is the responsibility of the player to be sure that change in status is clearly communicated to the referee by both a physical signal with his hands – up and down in front of his chest – and to report to the referee his intention to report as an eligible receiver.”
The NFL supports Allen
The league’s release of this video suggests its backing of Allen’s decision in the previous game. If the NFL believed Allen was in the wrong or the call had been blown, such a video would not have been created. This indicates that the league supports Allen’s handling of the situation.
Commissioner Roger Goodell has been vocal in his support for NFL officials, stating: “I don’t think it’s ever been better in the league,” and expressing pride in their performance. Despite calls for officials to become full-time employees, league sources have indicated that this may not be feasible due to many officials having full-time jobs outside of officiating.
Allen’s upcoming assignment should not be seen as a direct statement from the league regarding his previous performance. The postseason assignments are indicative of officials’ performance throughout the season, and it remains to be seen how Allen graded out this season.