NFL commissioner Roger Goodell still has not released an official statement regarding the controversial finish to the NFC Championship Game, but the league has announced a fine against Los Angeles Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman, who was at the center of the chaos.
According to reports, Robey-Coleman has been fined $26,739 for the helmet-to-helmet on New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis. As we know, Robey-Coleman was not flagged for the helmet-to-helmet hit, or pass interference.
Although the NFL has not released a statement, Saints head coach Sean Payton told reporters during the post-game that he received a call from the league office admitting that they blew the call.
"For a call like that not to be made, man, it's just hard to swallow. And then to get a phone call ..." Payton said, trailing off. He added: "We spoke initially, then I called to follow up. And the first thing [head of officials Alberto Riveron] said when I got on the phone -- 'We messed it up.'
"It was simple. They blew the call. They said it should never have not been a call," Payton said of the explanation he received. "They said not only was it interference, it was helmet-to-helmet. They just -- they couldn't believe it."
Robey-Coleman didn't deny that he got away with one on the infamous 3rd and 10 play, which ultimately allowed the Rams to force OT and advance to Super Bowl LIII. After the win, he told Sports Illustrated's Robert Klemko: "Yes, I got there too early. I was beat, and I was trying to save the touchdown."
Still, he plans to appeal the fine, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
