NFL officiating crew at center of Cowboys-Lions controversy gets crucial Week 18 game

The officiating crew from this past weekend’s Cowboys-Lions game has been assigned yet another high-profile game, this one with playoff implications.

Brad Allen and his crew became Public Enemy No. 1 when video appeared to show Detroit offensive linemen Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell and Dan Skipper seemingly discussing eligibility before a two-point conversion that was initially successful, being caught by Decker.

However, referees ruled that Decker never reported as eligible, and thus, a flag was thrown, wiping out the play. The Lions eventually lost, 20-19.

In the postgame, the explanations contradicted each other. Lions quarterback Jared Goff said he was sure Decker reported as an eligible receiver and Skipper had not. Allen said Skipper reported to him as an eligible receiver but then went to the tackle spot, which meant he didn’t have to report at all. Decker was already in the game.

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