Images showing the final controversial play of the Packers-Seahawks game on Sept. 24, 2012. The Seahawks were awarded a touchdown and won the game. (Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE)
(USA TODAY) - The NFL admitted Tuesday that an error was made on the final play of Monday night's game.
However the league contends the blown call was Seattle Seahawks wideout Golden Tate's shove of Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields in the end zone -- clearly offensive pass interference -- not the game-winning throw Tate allegedly snared in his team's 14-12 win, even though it appeared Packers safety M.D. Jennings picked off the pass from Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson.The NFL released a statement which reads in part:
"While the ball is in the air, Tate can be seen shoving Green Bay cornerback Sam Shields to the ground. This should have been a penalty for offensive pass interference, which would have ended the game. It was not called and is not reviewable in instant replay.
"When the players hit the ground in the end zone, the officials determined that both Tate and Jennings had possession of the ball. Under the rule for simultaneous catch, the ball belongs to Tate, the offensive player. The result of the play was a touchdown.
"Replay Official Howard Slavin stopped the game for an instant replay review. The aspects of the play that were reviewable included if the ball hit the ground and who had possession of the ball. In the end zone, a ruling of a simultaneous catch is reviewable. That is not the case in the field of play, only in the end zone.
"Referee Wayne Elliott determined that no indisputable visual evidence existed to overturn the call on the field, and as a result, the on-field ruling of touchdown stood. The NFL Officiating Department reviewed the video today and supports the decision not to overturn the on-field ruling following the instant replay review.
"The result of the game is final."