More Controversy In Cleveland, Not Convinced Bengals Won Game

NFL News - October 10th, 2009 - Written by Jimmy

The Cleveland Browns aren't saying...they're just saying.

Apparently, not everybody is convinced that Shayne Graham hit the winning 31 yard field goal last week, namely those on the Cleveland Browns coaching staff.

Late in overtime, in a 20 to 20 game, the Cincinnati Bengals drove deep into Cleveland territory, before attempting the 31 yard game winner. With only :05 on the clock, Graham lined up, and got the kick off. The ball came dangerously close to the right upright, but was deemed good by the field judge standing under the post.

Rob Ryan, Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator, is the one speaking up the loudest on the Browns' staff. "You can watch the tape," Ryan said in an Associated Press interview. "I'm not saying anything, but man, maybe the posts were crooked. Look at it."

When asked why Ryan didn't speak up earlier, he responded, "I don't want to get fined, I pay enough money already on the house I don't even live in California. I don't want to make this a big story, but I was disappointed. Of course, I'm not an expert. That's why I'm saying maybe somebody else should look at it."

Of course, someone has looked at it. Greg Aiello, NFL League Spokesman, believes the call on the field was correct. "The field judge standing right underneath the upright called it good, and we have reviewed multiple video from different angles and have seen nothing to dispute that call," Aiello said in a response by email.

Much of this controversy could have been averted had the uprights been slightly taller. As soon as the ball passes over the post, it becomes judgement call for the official directly beneath the post.

NFL Vice President of Officiating, Mike Pereira talked with the NFL Network earlier in the week. Among the topics reviewed was the preliminary discussion about extending the uprights to avoid situations such as this. Even with that said, Pereira is confident in his officials and the system that is currently in place.

"I've never been in the position where I felt like we've erred with the ball going over the top," Pereira said.

Pereira volunteered that attempted field goals are reviewable but also added, "Once it goes over the top, then we figure there's no way to prove it. We're not going to waste your time with a challenge, nor ours, to try to figure it out."

Though Ryan disputes the call, it will forever stand as called on the field as good. The overtime field goal moved the Cincinnati Bengals to 3-1 and dropped the Cleveland Browns to 0-4.

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