PFWA Pool Reporter Nick Suss Interview with Referee Clete Blakeman
Question: Regarding the unnecessary roughness on the fourth-and-one there, can you just start by explaining what was the unnecessary roughness on that play (second quarter, Minnesota fourth-and-goal at the one, 7:48 remaining)?
Blakeman: "We had two officials call it. Essentially, the defensive player launched into the receiver – who is considered a defenseless player – and there was helmet contact to the chest and neck area."
Question: So, what were the discussions on the field? You said that there were two calls. Was there any difference in opinion or was it complete agreement there?
Blakeman: "They were in line together. It was just essentially confirming what each guy saw."
Question: I know those plays aren't reviewable, but was there any contact from the booth about that play in general, or was it kind of just cut and dry once it was over?
Blakeman: "Nothing came down assist-wise from replay."
Question: When you looked at the play, did you get a clear view of it? Were you one of the referees that threw the flag?
Blakeman: "The two officials that threw it were the down judge, who was on the line of scrimmage, and his down-field partner, the side judge. So, they were both in position close to the end zone. Essentially, they had different angles, but they had good looks."
Question: Was the tackle who was flagged three times (for illegal formations) ever warned about that or were they just 'saw it and flagged him' plays?
Blakeman: "Yes, essentially, our protocol is to warn initially for the first time and then it's on him."
