(Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Glove via Getty Images)
According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating, Al Riveron, is retiring from the NFL. It's news that I'm sure Steelers fans are thrilled about, as it was Riveron who overturned Jesse James' game-winning touchdown reception against the Patriots in 2017.
Ben Roethlisberger connected with James for a 10-yard touchdown, with James going to the ground as he extended for the end zone. The call on the field initially was ruled a touchdown, but after a lengthy review, the call was overturned and ruled incomplete, as Riveron felt that James didn't have complete possession of the ball. Two plays later, Roethlisberger was intercepted in the end zone, and the Steelers lost, 27-24. The Steelers ended up not getting the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC playoffs because of the loss and were upset by the Jaguars in the divisional round game. James' reversed touchdown reception promoted a rule change in the offseason.
In early May, rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth, who is from Merrimac, Mass. and grew up a Patriots fan, was asked about the Jesse James catch, and he agreed that his fellow Penn State tight end got robbed.
"I do remember the play," Freiermuth laughed. "I personally do think Jesse caught the ball if we are being completely honest. Not just saying it because I am a Steeler now. But he did catch the ball. I worked out with him and we talked about that and he did catch it."
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