NFL apology Colt comfort for Hobbs - N.E. Patriots - BostonHerald.com
FOXBORO - Ellis Hobbs [stats] has insisted since the AFC title game loss to the Colts that he was improperly flagged for pass interference in the end zone.
The league not only agrees with him, it let him know it.
Hobbs received a letter during the offseason apologizing for the blown call, which led to the touchdown that tied the game at 21 in the third quarter.
“It’s a little late for that now,” Hobbs said with a sigh.
The penalty came on second-and-7 from the Patriots [team stats] 19. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning targeted a streaking Reggie Wayne down the sideline, but Hobbs stayed with him stride for stride, cutting short his pursuit to avoid the contact that would have resulted in a penalty. He watched Wayne’s eyes, slightly turned his head and leaped while the ball descended. It hit him in the left arm and Hobbs was immediately flagged by referee Bill Carollo.
TV analyst Phil Simms labeled it face-guarding - the act of not turning to look for the ball - which is no longer illegal. The play is only a penalty if Hobbs makes contact with the receiver, which he was careful not to do.
Manning then hit former Patriots defensive lineman Dan Klecko with a 1-yard score, and the two-point conversion tied the game.
Hobbs has insisted ever since that the call should not have been made, a point he made forcefully after the game.
“I’ll say it publicly - that wasn’t pass interference,” Hobbs said. “I didn’t touch the guy. The ball hit me in the back of the arm. He put his hands up and I’m just trying to play through his hands. I didn’t look back, but I didn’t touch him. You make the call. Watch that replay and tell me if it’s pass interference.”
It’s little consolation now, but Hobbs was right.
Turns out last year when the Patriots lost was an accident. There is no way the Colts win if this penalty isn't called. Just thought the truth should be posted.
NFL apologizes to Hobbs
NFL apologizes to Hobbs
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