Top 10 reasons the NFL needs a new head of officials

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Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs after a catch as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Antwon Blake (41) chases during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

A Mythical Taunting Call In Pittsburgh

The first example of a bad penalty that really indicated a serious problem was in Pittsburgh on December 21, a home game for the Steelers facing the Chiefs. Late in the game, Kansas City is trying to mount a comeback drive. A third down pass to the tight end is completed, but Steelers cornerback William Gay makes a tackle after only a two yard gain, ending the drive.

William Gay gets up, faced the Steelers bench – AWAY from Kelce and nowhere near him – folds his arms, and stares.

For that, he was flagged 15 yards for taunting. Luckily for Pittsburgh, they won the game anyway and didn’t lose out on their playoff chances on that play. But the sheer absurdity of calling that taunting was so egregious that any reasonable observer would question the entire process of calling taunting in the NFL.

Blandino directed officials not to call similar plays like this again, but this was hardly the first time a bad on-field rule interpretation changed the course of a game.

Next: A Non Call In Dallas Costs Detroit In The Playoffs

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