"NFL Reinforces Eligible Receiver Rules Following Lions-Cowboys Officiating Debacle"

The NFL defended referee Brad Allen's controversial call during the Lions-Cowboys game in a video sent to all teams, explaining the correct procedure for a player reporting as eligible. The call in question negated a two-point conversion by the Lions' Taylor Decker, contributing to their 20-19 loss. Despite Decker's claim of reporting as eligible, the league's video supported the referee's decision, stating that another player, Dan Skipper, had reported instead, leading to an illegal formation. The incident has sparked widespread criticism, and although the officiating crew is expected to be downgraded, they will still officiate an upcoming game with playoff implications.