Q&A WITH DIRECTOR OF OFFICIATING MIKE PEREIRA
ON THE END OF DEC. 16 JACKSONVILLE-CLEVELAND GAME

 

Why was the play reviewed after another play was run?

The referee’s pager buzzed prior to the snap of the next play.  He confirmed that with the umpire (who also has a pager) and the replay assistant. The play was then correctly reviewed.

 

If the pager is buzzing prior to the snap and the snap still occurs, is the play wiped out?

Yes. There is no play.

 

Why wasn't time called before snap on the next play (the first-down spike)?

The Browns were in a no-huddle offense trying to get to the line of scrimmage to snap the ball and stop the clock.  Things were moving very quickly.  When the pager went off (just before the snap) the referee allowed the play to take place before confirming with the umpire and the replay assistant that he was paged for a review.

 

Was the correct call made on the review?

Yes.  The receiver did not have possession.  The ball was coming loose and hit the ground.  That is an incomplete pass.

 

What is the proper procedure for the referee to suspend a game?

The referee has the authority to pull the teams off the field. He did that correctly in this situation because the playing conditions were not safe.  The Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee – who may or may not be at the game – makes the call to end a game.