Brad Allen’s explanation isn’t supported by video evidence.
The NFL referee insists that Lions tackle Dan Skipper, and not tackle Taylor Decker, reported as eligible on a game-deciding two-point attempt Saturday night against the Cowboys, despite everyone on the Lions stating otherwise and an overhead camera showing Decker reporting to the referee before the play.
Decker caught a two-point pass from Jared Goff but was flagged for illegal touching, and the Lions ultimately did not convert on the two-pointer and lost, 20-19.
While Skipper ran toward Decker and Allen before the play, Allen already started jogging toward the Cowboys defense before Skipper arrived to the discussion, the ESPN broadcast showed.
“So, we had a situation where if you were going to have an ineligible number occupy an eligible position, you have to report that to the referee. On this particular play, number 70 [Skipper,] who had reported during the game a couple of times, reported to me as eligible. Then he lined up at the tackle position,” Allen told a pool reporter after the game.
“So, actually, he didn’t have to report at all. Number 68 [Decker], who ended up going downfield and touching a pass, did not report. Therefore, he is an ineligible touching a pass that goes beyond the line, which makes it a foul. So, the issue is, number 70 did report, number 68 did not.”
When the pool reporter pointed out to Allen that Decker went to Allen before the play, Allen stated it was Skipper and that he told the Cowboys defense that Skipper reported as eligible.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he actually explained the trick play to the officials before the game.
“I don’t want to talk about it,” said Campbell, who was furious with Allen on the sideline. “I explain everything pregame to a tee, OK? I did that.”
Decker said he did exactly what Campbell asked him to do, while Goff said he was “very confused” by the officials’ ruling.
