“Full-blown DEI officiating crew”: Jason Whitlock blasts referees over disallowing controversial false start in Packers vs. Lions Thanksgiving game

Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions - Source: Getty
Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions - Source: Getty

The Green Bay Packers had a couple of officiating calls go their way in the game against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, sparking a frenzy among fans and analysts. Matt LaFleur's Packers sealed a 31-24 win at Ford Field to gain an advantage in the NFC North.

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With halftime approaching and the Packers holding a 10-7 lead, they faced a critical 4th-and-2 in the red zone. Opting to keep their offense on the field, the Packers appeared to jump early on the play, drawing a false start flag from the officials.

However, after huddling, the officials ruled that LaFleur had called a timeout just prior to the snap, which negated the penalty. However, the Fox broadcast showed that LaFleur had signaled after the false start had already happened. NFL reporter Tom Rinaldi, however, said LaFleur had requested a timeout much earlier and the officials only acted on the signal.

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The ruling handed the Packers a massive break. They capitalized, as Jordan Love hit Romeo Doubs for a touchdown that pushed their lead to 17-7. If the false-start call had stood, Green Bay would almost certainly have been forced to kick a field goal instead.

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Jason Whitlock was not pleased with the officials' ruling on the play.

“NFL ain’t playing around on Thanksgiving. Full-blown DEI officiating crew,” Whitlock wrote on X.
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Dan Campbell commends the Packers despite the controversy

Despite the controversy surrounding the call, Lions head coach Dan Campbell commended the way the Packers secured the win on Thursday.

“They did a good job, man,” Campbell told reporters after the game. “They closed that game out, and they made critical plays. Proud of the way our guys fought. I feel like came in ready to go from that aspect and certainly plenty of energy.
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“But really, this game came down to fourth down and those critical moments, and we were 0 for 2, and they were able to capitalize on three of them. And those are the one or two plays really that make the difference when you're playing a really good team.”

The Lions dropped to 7-5, leaving their playoff hopes in jeopardy. Their playoff probability dropped to 54% after the game, and they would need a lot to go their way going forward. They’ve made the playoffs in the last two seasons by winning the NFC North.

Detroit Lions Fans! Check out the latest Lions Schedule and dive into the Detroit Lions Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

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Edited by Farouk Yusuf
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