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By Anne Erickson
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The Buffalo Bills dropped their NFL divisional playoff game on Saturday, Jan. 17, against the Denver Broncos with an overtime loss in a 33-30 final score.
Emotions get high in the NFL, especially during the playoffs. In this case, there was a controversial referee call in overtime, when Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks seemed to make a great catch, but it went to Denver's Ja'quan McMillian, and the refs ruled it an interception without reviewing it again.
Bills fans weren't happy about it, and either was McDermott. After the game, the coach said that he was "standing up for Buffalo" and blasted the officiating.
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"It's hard for me to understand. Now that I've had a chance to look at it, it's hard for me to understand why it was ruled the way it was ruled," McDermott said at his postgame press conference.
McDermott added, questioning the officiating, "If it is ruled that way, then why wasn't it slowed down, just to make sure that we have this right? That would have made a lot of sense to me, to make sure that we have this thing right because that's a pivotal play in the game."
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He also said that he was "standing up for Buffalo," adding, "I'm standing up for us. What went on is now how it should go down. These guys spent three hours out there, playing football, playing their guts out. To not even say, 'Hey, let's just slow this thing down.' That's why I'm bothered."
It's against the NFL rules for players or coaches to criticize the referees after a game, so McDermott's comments could get him into hot water. He could even get fined for it.
More sports news: Bills Fans Call for Sean McDermott Firing After Divisional Loss to Broncos
Every week during the season, the NFL punishes players for actions that took place during the previous week's games. The NFL states on their official website that these actions are "to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity." Before the season begins, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations that result in these accountability measures.
So, on Saturday, Jan. 24, the NFL will announce if they're punishing McDermott for speaking out against the referees. If he is fined, the funds raised will go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to "support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game."
More sports news: Postgame Handshake Between Josh Allen, Bo Nix Draws Attention
McDermott has a 98-50 record in his nine seasons with the Buffalo Bills, including eight playoff appearances, but he has never led them to a Super Bowl.
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