The matchup between NFC North rivals the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions was full of controversial calls, more so regarding the penalties called on the Packers. Green Bay had eight penalties called on them, resulting in 81 free yards given to the Lions. Detroit ended up winning 20-17 thanks to some last-minute penalties, including a questionable roughing the passer call.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur expressed his frustrations with the officiating crew early in the game in a heated moment caught on camera. This reaction specifically was regarding Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt being called for unnecessary roughness. LaFleur clearly didn't agree with the penalty.
LaFleur clarified in his post-game press conference that the referees “tried to tell me the play was obviously dead" during this tense exchange. He was confused because there was no whistle blown on Wyatt. We all expected LaFleur to go off on the officiating crew during his presser.
He could've dealt with the fines from the NFL in order to further let out his frustrations. However, LaFleur opted to remain somewhat quiet about his opinion on the penalties. "I don't even want to comment on it, the penalties," LaFleur said.
I thought there were some tough calls, but it is what it is." LaFleur also noted that he "didn't get many explanations throughout the entire game" regarding the penalties. He clearly looked and sounded irritated with how the officiating crew called the game. But he remained silent about his true thoughts on the game.
He had a resounding message of wanting to move past the loss and focus on the Packers' next matchup, which will be on Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers. It's too late to change the penalties even if he doesn't agree with them—that's something LaFleur's surely learned throughout his coaching career. So, it's not always worth ranting about them in the press conference for the world to hear.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
