Replacement defends controversial Seahawks TD call
The NFL replacement referee who signaled a touchdown to end the controversial Green Bay Packers-Seattle Seahawks game two weeks ago stood by his call on Sunday.
Lance Easley said during an appearance on "NFL Today" that he made the correct ruling, even after looking at the replay.
"No, not a doubt," Easley said. "Both players had possession at that point. They were wrapped around it like a meatball and their arms were like spaghetti."
The touchdown gave the Seahawks a Monday night win on a play where it appeared that Packers defensive back M.D. Jennings had the caught the ball in midair and landed in a pile of players with two arms wrapped around the football.
The call caused a national uproar over the work of the replacement refs and two days later agreement was reached in time for the league's regular referees to work a Thursday night game.
Easley said he has received a great deal of criticism for the call, but he was doing well.
"I want to come out and let people know I'm OK," Easley said. "This is part of the deal. Officials -- the guys who are out there now, any official -- understand that going in."
Easley said he would still want to be an NFL referee if the opportunity arose.
"In a heartbeat," Easley said. "Because it was enjoyable, and it was exactly what we all like to do as officials. We like to work the best game at the highest level. And there's not an official out there who would say any different, that they wouldn't want to have that opportunity."
