Monday’s Patriots-Panthers game has people buzzing. Not only did Carolina earn a huge victory, but the game also ended in controversy, marking the second time this season that New England has walked off the field following a questionable call — or, in this case, a non-call.
It appeared that the Pats were going to benefit from a pass interference call on the final play of the game Monday. Instead, the officials picked up a thrown flag and left the field without an explanation, leaving many, including head coach Bill Belichick, in a state of confusion. After all, it looked as if Rob Gronkowski was interfered with in the back of the end zone.
The call — or lack thereof — was later explained by referee Clete Blakeman. While pass interference was originally called, the penalty was waved off because Tom Brady‘s pass, which was intercepted, was found to be uncatchable. In other words, Luke Kuechly holding Gronkowski didn’t really matter.
The Patriots also had a controversial Week 7 loss to the Jets, so New England has certainly been on a rollercoaster of emotions this season. The Red Sox, while pulling off a triumphant victory in this year’s World Series, were on the wrong end of a controversial call in Game 3 of the Fall Classic, too.
Tough defeats are a part of sports. That’s really all there is to it. But losing in controversial fashion always stings a little more, and the following list is no doubt filled with crazy endings. From Michael Jordan‘s push-off of Bryon Russell in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals to last year’s Packers-Seahawks replacement referee debacle, the following moments are considered controversial for a variety of reasons.
