“Damn Refs! Move Ref!”: Shaquille O’Neal Blasts NFL Referee Over Controversial Call During Cowboys vs 49ers

NBA legend and sports world darling Shaquille O’Neal, during his recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, opened up about his views on the endgame controversy during the San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys Wild Card matchup. For the die-hard Dallas fan Shaq- it was a complete disaster that resulted in an upset victory for the Niners.

Shaq, in his rusty voice, admits his disappointment with the outcome. Although the Cowboys made a slow start to the game, they managed to cut a 23-7 fourth-quarter deficit to 23-17. It was a desperate situation for the Cowboys when they got the ball back at their own 20-yard line with just 32 seconds remaining in the clock and no timeouts left.

Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers controversy

That final stretch down the field by the Cowboys was the best play made by them in the entire game. But the mayhem started when Prescott ran a quarterback draw from the Niners’ 41-yard line to the 24-yard line with no more than nine seconds left in the game remaining and the clock still ticking.

Also Read: WATCH: Bizarre Ending to Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers as Dak Prescott Gets A Nasty Shock

Upon reaching the 24-yard line, the Cowboys lined up again to make one last miraculous play for a touchdown in the very last second. However, that never happened. The referee showed up fumbling from behind almost, knocking the center, to set the ball for himself, costing the final few moments of the game. The play never took place as the time had already run out.

Shaquille O’Neal on the disappointing end to the game

As per the NFL referee Alex Kemp, the referee did a good job in spotting the ball and conducted the play by the book. Since according to the NFL rules, an official has to set the ball before the snap, implying that a player himself cannot decide the spot to snap the ball.

However, when Shaquille O’Neal was asked about it, he simply replied, “It was the referee’s fault. He took an extra second in the way and then you know he starts fumbling. Huh! Huh!” Shaq added. “It was too late. And then the ref took all damn day movin’ the ball. He took one half a second. We could’ve accomplished a lot in those two seconds. Damn refs! Move ref!”

It was by far the most unfortunate end to the Cowboys season. The Cowboy’ were denied of the last snap, which could have got them the win. Shaq is far from being contented about it. It was a frustrating end for the fans who had high hopes for the franchise this season.

Do you agree with Shaq’s comment? Let us know in the comments below!

Watch This Story: Patrick Mahomes Talks Ben Roethlisberger Retirement, Rematch Against Bills and More After Kansas City Chiefs Beat Pittsburgh Steelers