No. 3: 1999-2000 NFC Championship Game
It’s the NFC Championship game and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are down 11-6 to the St. Louis Rams, and their “Greatest Show on Turf”.
As the Bucs attempt to move down for a go-ahead score, on 2nd-and-23 from the St. Louis 35 yard line, Bucs QB Shaun King hit receiver Bert Emanuel on diving catch near the the Rams’ 20 yard line.
Emanuel had both hands under the ball and rolled over with it against his chest. The Bucs called a timeout to set their next play, but the officials came over to tell head coach Tony Dungy that they play was under review.
After reviewing the play, the officials ruled that the tip of the ball had touched the ground as Emanuel rolled over, and therefore it was an incomplete pass. Now, by the letter of the law, this may have been correct. However, it was clear that Emanuel had complete control of the football and it was in his possession.
The Bucs lost 11-6 to the Rams, and that rule has since been changed.
Next: Pass Interference Non-Call