Jeremy Shockey unloads on game officials

Tight end Jeremy Shockey heard the whistle and saw the flag, but never could get an answer on why he was called for offensive pass interference, a penalty that negated his 22-yard touchdown catch Sunday in the Panthers' 34-29 loss to Chicago.

Shockey ripped the officiating crew for the call in post-game comments that likely will draw a fine from the NFL.

"Maybe the official saw something (different from) what I did," Shockey said. "I'd like the league to go back and look at that and give an explanation because it was a big play in the game. The momentum is on our side and it comes back. That's definitely hurts our team momentum-wise."

"I've been playing this game a long time and ... I don't know. I'd like to hear the explanation from the league and really understand why they would call something like that. He never gave me any explanation at all."

With the Panthers trailing 24-20 but driving on their first possession of the second half, Cam Newton fired a strike to Shockey in the end zone for an apparent score. But officials ruled he pushed off against cornerback Charles Tillman.

Replays showed Shockey with a hand on Tillman's back, but the contact seemed minimal.

Shockey certainly thought so.

"We pay their salary and can't get an explanation," Shockey said. "I'd like to see the explanation when they do get graded.

"They should be held accountable as well. They get paid a lot of money. They go around and hang out and do whatever they do before the game. Fly for free and do all kinds of (stuff) for free. Very disappointing, disheartening. I don't know what else to say."

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he did not have an angle on the play from the sideline. Tight end Greg Olsen didn't see it, either.

"I was running a route on the other side. We were trying to ask for an explanation and nobody seemed to be able to get one. Everybody kept saying, 'Check with him. Check with him,' " Olsen said. "So I don't know. We'll have to see what it looks like on tape."

The Panthers failed to score on the drive after the penalty. Former Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers blocked Olindo Mare's 34-yard field goal attempt a few plays later.

Adding injury to insult: Shockey aggravated his broken finger on the catch.

"It is what it is," Shockey said of the injury. "It's been going on since Week 1. We'll look into that and see where we go from there."


(heraldonline.com)