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Vrabel Penalized for Outburst Over Call
Confirmed
In Short: Vrabel's outburst adds to a challenging period for the coach, who recently announced he was entering counseling following a tumultuous start to the season.
Vrabel's frustration stemmed from a play where wide receiver Kayshon Boutte appeared to be interfered with during a deep pass attempt, but no penalty was called.
Vrabel confronted the referee, reportedly saying, 'That’s a (expletive) terrible (expletive) call,' according to a pool report via ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
The coach later apologized for his language, acknowledging, 'I probably shouldn’t have swore. But I can tell you in my history of being on the sidelines as a head coach, I’ve said that.'
Referee Bill Vinovich confirmed that Vrabel’s language was the reason for the penalty, stating, 'I don’t know how you’re going to give a warning. It’s not something that is going to happen twice.'
The penalty occurred during the second quarter, giving the Bills a first-and-goal at the Patriots' 6-yard line, leading to a touchdown and tying the game.
Despite the penalty, the Patriots ultimately won the game 29-26 after an interception by quarterback Josh Allen in the closing minute.
Vrabel's outburst adds to a challenging period for the coach, who recently announced he was entering counseling following a tumultuous start to the season.
The Patriots' victory was overshadowed by the controversy, with Vrabel still appearing frustrated about the call after the game.
Vrabel emphasized his support for his players, saying, 'It’s great to see Mack [Hollins] make plays for us. Kyle [Williams], Kayshon. I mean, unfortunate for Kayshon. The penalty or whatever they called over there is completely - whatever they called over there.'
What this adds
Vrabel's history of sideline outbursts and the recent announcement of entering counseling highlight the pressure he faces as head coach.
What's confirmed
- Vrabel's frustration stemmed from a play where wide receiver Kayshon Boutte appeared to be interfered with during a deep pass attempt, but no penalty was called.
- Vrabel confronted the referee, reportedly saying, 'That’s a (expletive) terrible (expletive) call,' according to a pool report via ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
- The penalty occurred during the second quarter, giving the Bills a first-and-goal at the Patriots' 6-yard line, leading to a touchdown and tying the game.
- Despite the penalty, the Patriots ultimately won the game 29-26 after an interception by quarterback Josh Allen in the closing minute.
- Vrabel's outburst adds to a challenging period for the coach, who recently announced he was entering counseling following a tumultuous start to the season.
- The Patriots' victory was overshadowed by the controversy, with Vrabel still appearing frustrated about the call after the game.
What's still developing
- What the referees told Mike Vrabel after not calling defensive pass interference on a throw to Kayshon Boutte late in Sunday’s Patriots win.
- “No. Here’s what the explanation I got. ‘You have to survive the ground,’" Vrabel said. 'Survive the ground' refers to part of the catch rule itself, meaning the referees were explaining to Vrabel why it wasn't a catch, rather than why it wasn't a penalty.
- "I said 'I’m very aware of the catch rule,’" Vrabel added in retelling the interaction to the media.
- Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images While the New England Patriots' 11-point fourth quarter comeback over the Baltimore Ravens will be the biggest story to come out of Sunday night, one decision by the officials will have plenty of headlines on its own.
- Down three, the Patriots got the ball with just over five minutes to go in the game, backed up to their own 11-yard line.
- Depsite the drop it looked like the Patriots were still going to get the yardage though, after what appeared to be a clear pass interfernece call.
- To the bewilderment of some on the Patriots' sideline, those in the NBC broadcast booth, and likely plenty of fans watching, the flag never came.
- Vrabel drew a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct after arguing a holding penalty against Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones on Sunday against the Bills.
- The Patriots still won the contest 29-26, but the penalty did hurt them in the interim.
- Mike Vrabel was so displeased with a holding call on Marcus Jones during the second quarter of the Patriots -Bills matchup on Sunday that he used a curse word while telling the referee how he felt about it.
- Vrabel was flagged for a 5-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, which gave the Bills 1st-and-goal at the 6.
- Instead, the Bills had the ball inside the ten with multiple downs to work with.