Breaking: NFL Tackles Controversy Surrounding Raiders-Chiefs Game Ending
Friday night’s showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders ended in controversial fashion. It was such a suspicious finish that people are convinced the league is rigged for the defending champions.
With only 15 seconds remaining in the game and the Raiders threatening to attempt a game-winning field goal, Aidan O’Connell botched a snap from Andre James. The ball rolled towards the Chiefs defense and was recovered by Nick Bolton. On that play, however, one of the referees tried to blow it dead for a false start. After a long discussion on the field, the refs said it was actually an illegal shift. That means the play stood and the fumble was confirmed.
Shortly after the game ended, the NFL was asked to comment on this wild ending between the Raiders and Chiefs. Although the league’s statement should clear the rigged allegations, it probably won’t.
“Had the clock been running at the snap, then by rule an illegal shift would convert to a false start,” a league spokesperson said. “Since the clock was stopped (spike on the 2nd down play), an illegal shift is a live ball foul.”
That explanation makes sense, there’s no doubt about it. The main issue is there’s clearly a ref trying to blow the play dead.
The Raiders aren’t going to make excuses for their heartbreaking loss. O’Connell made it clear that he blames himself for the last-second fumble.
“It’s completely my fault,” O’Connell said. “I was looking out to the right to make sure the guys were set and I started clapping. In my head I was thinking, signal the ball to get the ball, but when I start clapping it tells Jackson to basically snap the ball. Jackson did exactly what he should have done and I clapped too early.”
With the win over the Raiders, the Chiefs have now won 14 straight one-score games. Unsurprisingly, that’s an NFL record.
Next weekend, the Chiefs will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in another AFC West matchup. It wouldn’t shock us if that game also comes down to the wire.
