He’ll referee Super Bowl 54 despite no-call in ’19 NFC Championship. Twitter wasn’t happy
Not many NFL referees elicit as much vitriol as Bill Vinovich.
Just in case you need a refresher, Vinovich became infamous for missing the pass interference call in the 2019 NFC Championship Game between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams.
So when news broke Wednesday evening that he’ll be the head official for Super Bowl 54, Twitter pounced.
You may remember Bill Vinovich from such blown calls as:https://t.co/aItnpuOUX1 pic.twitter.com/lN7IfCd34l
— Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) January 15, 2020
One of the most notable reactions was from Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, whose team suffered the consequences of Vinovich’s no-call.
O no he don’t even own any flags . Let me stop https://t.co/8rkXl60tew
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) January 15, 2020
Many, like journalists Nick Underhill and Michael Hurley, shared Thomas’ shock.
NFL officiating: Where you can be responsible for the crew that made one of the worst (no) calls in league history and get rewarded with the Super Bowl the next year. https://t.co/kPH9weJpkN
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) January 15, 2020
"Let's take the referee from the biggest blown call in NFL history, the ref who at least *kind of* lied about not seeing the hit, and ... let's make him the ref for the Super Bowl!!!" -- The National Football League https://t.co/gUvm1zTcBm
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) January 15, 2020
Others just took the opportunity to blast and poke fun at the NFL for failing its fans.
What a joke! The head referee for the officiating team that blew the NFCCG “no call”????! NFL officiating is without any credibility! Nice way to show accountability to the fans
— Dan Edney MD (@danedneymd) January 15, 2020
Bill Vinovich has been named head referee for Super Bowl LIV pic.twitter.com/NPcAufrL7y
— MyBookie Sportsbook (@betmybookie) January 15, 2020
@NFLOfficiating so you reward the ref who famously missed a blown P.I call by allowing him the ref the Superbowl he shouldn't be allowed to ref a little league flag football game
— C. Louis (@CLouis1983) January 15, 2020
Bill Vinovich ruined my life, does not deserve the prestigious honor of being a Super Bowl ref I’m sorry @NFL @nflcommish https://t.co/o5khWtTvWU
— You know who I am (@BarraSahara16) January 15, 2020
While the last tweet might be a little dramatic, the overall disbelief is justified. Vinovich’s officiating led to a dramatic rule change that allowed for pass interference calls (or lack thereof) to be reviewed. Fans have a right to question the NFL’s decision making here.
Officiating should never take the spotlight of any sporting event. No matter how the Super Bowl ends, you can believe that people will be paying close attention to Vinovich and his crew.
