Sep 23, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) reacts to a call in the game against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at the Metrodome. Vikings win 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Everson Griffen has received a $15,750 fine for an illegal hit on Aaron Rodgers. You will remember the play in question. It happened on what should’ve been a Jared Allen interception. Had the INT stood, the Vikings may very well have walked away from Sunday’s game with a win. But Ed Hochuli had other ideas. He flagged Griffen for unnecessary roughness, wiping out the pick. The Packers went on to defeat the Vikings.
The flag on Griffen was questionable to say the least. Actually, to be blunt, it was a bullcrap call. For Griffen to also be fined for the same play just heaps more bullcrap on the original bullcrap. In no way should that play have been flagged. It wasn’t late and it wasn’t a helmet-to-helmet shot. It was a classic example of the referees going out of their way to protect a star quarterback. In this case, the flag happened to contribute to a Vikings loss. That makes it extra painful.
It’s too bad the Vikes don’t have a Golden Boy superstar untouchable quarterback. Maybe then they’d get some gift calls too.
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