“They Crucified Him”: 5 Times Referee Bill Vinovich’s Mistakes Sparked Controversy & Changed Super Bowl’s Outcome

Bill Vinovich, a veteran NFL referee, finds himself once again under the spotlight as he prepares to officiate his second Super Bowl in five years. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and impartial judgment. Several controversial calls that have left a lasting impact on the game have overshadowed Vinovich’s career.

Vinovich’s most infamous blunder came during the 2018 NFC Championship game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams. With just under two minutes left in the game, Vinovich’s crew failed to call an obvious pass interference infraction by the Rams, costing the Saints a trip to the Super Bowl. The missed call sparked outrage among fans and players alike, leading to widespread criticism of Vinovich and his officiating crew.

Bill Vinovich: A legacy of controversy

The controversy surrounding Vinovich’s officiating extends beyond the New Orleans debacle. In the past, Bill Vinovich has been at the center of several contentious calls that have altered the outcome of Super Bowl games. Here are five of his most controversial officiating calls:

1. The New Orleans No-Call: During the 2018 NFC Championship game, Vinovich’s crew failed to call an obvious pass interference infraction by the Rams, leading to widespread criticism and outrage.

2. Baltimore-Denver 2012, Part I: In a playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos, the NFL referee missed a hand-fighting penalty that resulted in a long touchdown for the Ravens.

3. Baltimore-Denver 2012, Part II: In the same game, Bill Vinovich called a ticky-tack holding penalty that erased a first down for the Broncos, ultimately leading to a momentum shift in favor of the Ravens.

4. Chargers-Steelers: Vinovich’s crew made several questionable calls during a game between the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a missed false start that benefited the Chargers.

5. Super Bowl LIII: Vinovich’s officiating crew made several controversial calls during Super Bowl LIII, including a missed pass interference penalty that went against the Los Angeles Rams.

Despite these controversies, Bill Vinovich remains one of the NFL’s most experienced referees and will once again take the field for Super Bowl LVIII. As the spotlight shines on him once again, the referee faces immense pressure to ensure that his calls are fair and impartial. Only time will tell whether Bill Vinovich can put his past mistakes behind him and officiate a controversy-free Super Bowl.

Read More: Exclusive: Right Before the Super Bowl, Jordan Mailata Warns 49ers About Patrick Mahomes: “Never Count Him Out”

Can we finally see a Super Bowl game that isn’t decided on a blown PI call or a holding call that swings the momentum? The NFL scriptwriters will be sure to be vigilant on that fact and capitalize on the surge in viewership.

Watch This Story: How to Buy Super Bowl Jerseys and Other NFL Merchandise – A Complete Guide