Why did the referees not penalize L’Jarius Sneed? Scrutinizing the controversial call in yet another Chiefs game

Favoritism on the field not only raises questions over the integrity of the authority but also damages the immense excitement of sports enthusiasts. Over the years, some of the NFL officials have been scrutinized for favoring some franchises, and the controversy once again hit the headlines during the recent match between the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings.

After defeating the Vikings and securing the top spot in the AFC West, the Chiefs have once again demonstrated their strong determination to win back-to-back Super Bowl titles. However, the victory also generated controversy, with some alleging that cornerback L’Jarius Sneed received preferential treatment from the officials on the field.

Chiefs escape penalty after L’Jarius Sneed helmet drama

During the match, Sneed was covering Minnesota star Jordan Addison when quarterback Kirk Cousins threw a desperate pass towards his wide receiver. The ball sailed over Jordan’s head, and a flag was initially thrown for pass interference on Kansas City’s cornerback. The Chiefs’ veteran cornerback removed his helmet during an altercation with the officials, which could have led to additional trouble. However, the officials ultimately chose not to flag him, and after some time, the pass interference flag was picked up.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time the Chiefs were rumored to get favored this season as it also happened back to their match against the New York Jets in week 4. In the fourth quarter of the match, the Jets’ cornerback Sauce Gardner was flagged with a questionable defensive holding call that took away the match from Gang Green’s hand.

Explaining the reason for the debatable call

According to the official rulebook of the NFL, if an athlete removes his helmet on the field of play or in the end zone due to a celebration, demonstration, or confrontation with any player or official, they will be subject to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

The Chief’s vet took off his helmet while confronting the officials about his pass interference call. Despite giving him a 15-yard penalty, the two officials were seen telling him to put his helmet back on.

Minnesota’s coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t seem to be pleased with the incident as his squad lost possession of the ball instead of having it just inches from the goal line. During his postgame conference, he vented frustration for reversing the original call.

“When the flag came out in the first place, I was not surprised in that moment that was called a flag. I’m trying to figure out where and when that veered the other way.”

However, CBS’ rules analyst Gene Steratore provided a reason behind the official’s decision saying the ball was likely uncatchable given where it landed and where the Vikings WR was at the time of the contact.

What’s your take on this incident? Do you think that the officials are favoring the defending champions? Or do you think that the decision was justified? Tell us in the comments.