NFL ref defends ruling on controversial Jarrett Stidham fumble

[ASFN Admin]

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham made a costly mistake in the second quarter of Sunday's AFC Championship game showdown with the New England Patriots.

Facing 3rd-and-4 at his own 33-yard line with a 7-0 lead, Stidham was under duress and attempted to throw the ball away. His pass fell to the ground and the Patriots picked it up as officials whistled the play dead. Stidham was initially flagged for intentional grounding, but after discussion, referee Alex Kemp announced that Stidham threw a backward pass and the resulting fumble was recovered by New England at Denver's 12-yard line.

Two plays later, the Patriots tied the game at 7-7, and they eventually won 10-7. After the game, Kemp was asked about the controversial ruling on the Stidham play. Here's his quote from the pool report, courtesy of the Denver Post's Parker Gabriel:

I initially ruled it as a forward pass, which was incorrect. I proceeded to go through the administration of an intentional grounding foul. The down judge and the empire came and talked to me and provided more information. The down jduge explained that he extended his right arm to signal that he had a backward pass and at that point we determined that New England had picked up the then backward pass. We awarded possession to New England with no advance, because at that point were are not allowed to permit an advance [because of the whistle].

In a game that ended up being decided by three points, that ruling ended up being a game-altering decision. And while fans might disagree with the ruling, Stidham could have avoided a turnover by instead taking a sack. In the end, the Broncos now enter the offseason as the Patriots advance to Super Bowl LX.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL news: Ref Alex Kemp defends ruling on Jarrett Stidham fumble

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