The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday. Despite the thrilling game, it was the late pending call to Eagles linebacker James Bradbury that made the rounds on Twitter and social media. Many felt that Cole had ruined an epic game.
Bradbury says penalty was justified
Bradbury, one of the NFL’s best linebackers, was called for scoring a third down with less than two minutes left in the Super Bowl and holding off Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith Schuster. The hold meant the Chiefs could lower the clock and kick the game-winning field goal instead of giving Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts another chance to drive downfield.
Despite the controversy, Bradbury himself says the hold was a legitimate call. he pulled his jersey. “
James Bradberry owns up to a holding penalty.
He stood in front of the locker for a long time and answered all the questions about it. pic.twitter.com/qZbbLMtOpA
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) February 13, 2023
LeBron James and Skip Bayless say officials need to let them play
But that didn’t stop others from sharing their opinions over the phone. NBA all-time scoring record holder LeBron James said, “Having hands on my back didn’t affect the route! The game was just too good for that call to ultimately determine the outcome.Damn!By the way, no running.Just my professional opinion.
His hands did not affect his route! This game was too good for that call to finally decide the outcome. Damn! By the way, I am not running.Just my professional opinion
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 13, 2023
Thursday Night Football commentator and college football analyst Kirk Herbstrait also joined the call and tweeted. late 35-35 he was an imperfect part of a 3 down and a few fouls??? let them play the man!! . “
Herbstreit is usually the voice of reason, and many agree with his “Let them play” for this particular play.
I don’t usually get involved in ripping referees, but I hate defensive holding calls against Bradbury. Late 35-35 he was an imperfect part of a 3 down and a few fouls???
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) February 13, 2023
Skip Bayless is another game on the “let’s play” side. Known for his strong opinions, Bayless said: It was classic NBA-style play to say, ‘Keep playing.
The Chiefs scored a GW field goal set by James Bradbury’s third down holding penalty.
“The flag stole the Eagles and Jaylen Hurts the chance to hit the last shot. It was a classic NBA-style play to say ‘Keep playing.'” — @RealSkipBayless pic.twitter.com/ KR7Kp4582l
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) February 13, 2023
Shannon Sharp says opportunity doesn’t matter, Cole was right
Meanwhile, former NFL tight end Shannon Sharp defended Cole, saying, “Just because it’s the Super Bowl doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make that call.” would seem to belong. But Sharp says opportunity doesn’t matter, and penalties should be called penalties regardless of opportunity.
[email protected] agrees with James Bradberry’s late holding call in Super Bowl LVII.
“Just because it’s a Super Bowl doesn’t mean you can’t make that decision.” pic.twitter.com/wYvfrSwFnC
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) February 13, 2023
Despite the controversial call, it was a great game that will be remembered for years to come. It will be remembered as one.