The NFL released a statement Tuesday denying a report that it had apologized to the Seahawks for officiating mistakes in the Seattle 24-21 overtime win over the New York Giants on Sunday.
Coach Mike Holmgren told reporters on Monday, “I had a quick conversation with the league, and there were some mistakes that took place which we felt at the time.”
Both of Seattle’s major newspapers reported that Holmgren was referring to two Giants touchdowns, but the only play the coach specifically mentioned during his Monday press conference was a Jeremy Shockey touchdown reception that was upheld after game officials watched replays.
The other touchdown, an Amani Toomer reception in the back of the end zone, was also reviewed and upheld.
When asked specifically about that touchdown on Monday, Holmgren said: “I thought it was a great catch. (Toomer) just made a phenomenal play. It was close, but on that one the coverage could have been better, you can put it that way.”
The league issued its denial of any apologies through a statement on NFL.com.
“The report that the NFL informed the Seahawks of officiating mistakes on two Giants touchdown receptions is inaccurate,” the statement said. “Our officiating department never discussed with the Seahwaks the Amani Toomer touchdown reception, which was properly called. The Jeremy Shockey touchdown catch at the end of the first half was not overturned because the referee determined that there was insufficient visual evidence to reverse the call.”
On the play in question, Shockey lost possession of the ball after a hit by Seattle safety Marquand Manuel. It appeared on replays that Shockey had only one foot down in the end zone when he lost the ball, but replay officials ruled the video evidence inconclusive.
The league typically discourages coaches from commenting on officiating and any discussions that take place between the NFL and team officials. A report by ESPN.com said that Holmgren could be reprimanded for his comments to the media.
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