:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62846078/882720406.jpg.0.jpg)
Here’s some good news for the Philadelphia Eagles: long-time NFL referee Pete Morelli is retiring after 22 years on the job. Per an official announcement:
#ProBowl will be co-led by referees Walt Coleman and Pete Morelli – both of whom are retiring after 30 and 22 years of wearing the stripes, respectively. Down Judge Steve Stelljes and Replay Official Larry Nemmers will also work their final game. Best wishes to all! pic.twitter.com/eakCRzFV0T
— NFL Officiating (@NFLOfficiating) January 15, 2019
As you’ll recall, Morelli was the ref for the 2017 Eagles versus Carolina Panthers game on Thursday Night Football that featured absolutely awful, one-sided officiating. The Eagles ultimately won that matchup but they came much closer to losing than they reasonably should have been ... thanks to Morelli and his crew.
This was the first time in NFL history one team had over 120 penalty yards while the other had fewer than 10.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) October 13, 2017
It wasn’t just one bad game for Morelli, either. Going back further, the last four Eagles games he officiated were clearly lopsided in favor of Philadelphia’s opponent.
Pete Morelli’s crew in last FOUR Eagles games
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) October 13, 2017
Philly penalties - 40 for 396 yards
Opponent penalties - 8 for 72 yards
(Yo, @NFL)
Coincidence? Bias? Conspiracy?
Whatever the case, the Eagles won’t have to worry about Morelli officiating their games anymore.
Can’t wait to see which conference gets screwed over in the Pro Bowl this year. (Just kidding, who watches the Pro Bowl?)
...
Hat tip to BGN reader @xAmethystical on this story.