The NFL has fined Los Angeles Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman $26,739 for an uncalled helmet-to-helmet hit on New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis in Sunday’s NFC Championship game. The same hit was widely thought to be pass interference, although that too went uncalled. In the decision to fine the cornerback, the NFL is now admitting to missing two penalties on a play that many believe decided what team went to the Super Bowl.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report on the fine on his Twitter account.
NFL made an unofficial statement on the hit that Rams' CB Nickell Robey-Coleman delivered on Saints' WR Tommylee Lewis.
NFL fined Robey-Coleman the amount of $26,739 for the helmet-to-helmet that was not flagged during the NFC Championship Game, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 25, 2019
The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that Nickell Robey-Coleman will appeal his fine.
#Rams CB Nickell Robey-Coleman will appeal his $26,739 fine for the controversial unflagged hit in the NFC title win over the #Saints, source said.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 25, 2019
Schefter also reported that Saints head coach Sean Payton spoke to people with the NFL on the play and penalties not called.
This week, Sean Payton has spoken to Roger Goodell, SVP of Officiating Al Riveron, EVP of Football Opetations Troy Vincent, Comp Committee Chairman Rich McKay. It was explained to Payton: It’s a call that officials should make. Goodell also spoke to Saints’ owner Gayle Benson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 25, 2019
With the ball on the Rams 13-yard line and the game tied 20-20, there was 1:49 left in the fourth quarter and Saints quarterback Drew Brees needed 10 yards on third down for a first down to milk the clock for a game-winning kick. As the play developed, wide receiver Tommylee Lewis was running down the sideline, with some space to make a catch. Drew Brees threw the ball in Lewis’ direction and as the ball got closer, Rams cornerback Robey-Coleman launched his body into Lewis making contact and wiping out the receiver before the ball got there and while not making a play for the ball. Robey-Coleman thanked the refs for not calling the pass interference on the play in his postgame interview.
Today’s action by the NFL gives Saints fans more reason to feel robbed of an opportunity to see their team in the Super Bowl. Not only did they miss what many viewers thought was blatant pass interference, now they’ve learned that the referees also missed a personal foul call. The Saints, who were thought to be the better team, had their season end on Sunday in a game that would have likely ended in their favor if the missed calls were enforced.
