The former replacement ref who called the infamous “Fail Mary” call in a 2012 Seahawks-Packers game is now reportedly having mental problems such as severe depression.
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The NFL referees have been facing an onslaught of criticism in this year’s playoffs due to questionable calls, each in games involving the Dallas Cowboys.
In the Cowboys’ playoff opener against the Detroit Lions, the officials picked up a pass interference flag and wiped out the penalty. The Cowboys proceeded to win the game, 24-20, angering many fans.
However, the tide turned against them in the Divisional Round against the Green Bay Packers when wide receiver Dez Bryant was called for an incomplete pass despite appearing to catch the ball.
This caused many fans to criticize what is known as the “Calvin Johnson rule,” which states that a player must process the catch while going down.
Very few controversial calls will top “Fail Mary” though, which occurred in 2012 when the Seattle Seahawks beat the Green Bay Packers on a last-second throw that appeared to be an interception but was ruled a touchdown.
The outrage over this call caused the replacement refs to disappear. It has since been revealed that Lance Easley, who made the call, is battling severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder due to the stress of that situation.
Yahoo! Sports columnist Dan Wetzel provided a link to further details of this story on Twitter.
The “Fail Mary” caused an onslaught. Ref involved says he now battles severe depression: http://t.co/wO75v0lSK5
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) January 12, 2015
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