The NFL might have a referee problem.
Week 8 of the 2023 season has nearly concluded, and already, there has been significant controversy regarding officiating.
Players, coaches, and analysts have spoken out about the egregious errors they have witnessed, with some instances having impacts on the final score of the game.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson was the latest to voice his opinion of what has been going on.
In a postgame interview shared via ESPN, Johnson was visibly frustrated with the officiating in their loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, saying “They must have gotten paid good today or something.”
Diontae Johnson had a few words about the refs after the Steelers' loss. pic.twitter.com/j0xtvz2WJS
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 29, 2023
He also added that the refs “cost us the game.”
Whether the officials had a direct impact on this contest remains to be seen.
But, between these comments from Johnson and Jim Irsay’s recent tweet about the NFL hoping to take action about their refs, it’s clear that frustration is mounting throughout the league.
Team executives like Irsay do not typically talk about internal affairs or communication they get from the NFL.
Something is going on, and if there is continued conversation about the refs, the league might not have a choice but to get involved.
The Steelers’ loss dropped their record, falling to a three-way tie for second place in the AFC North.
Johnson’s comments could be more of a reflection of how their game played out against the Jaguars rather than the performances of the refs.
Regardless of Johnson’s thoughts, this conversation is far from over and will likely be a topic in the weeks to come.
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