NFL VP of officiating: Refs weren't wrong with Panthers-Pats no-call

The most recent Monday night game, between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots ended with a lot of controversy. On the last play of the game, fourth down, with time running out, the Panthers intercepted Tom Brady to solidify a win. Yet there was a flag on the play, but that flag was picked up and the game was ruled over. A lot of people, especially those on the Patriots side were outraged. This article details the NFL’s support of the ref’s decision, and the argument for why it was a correct call. In the NFL, the policy is that interference is called when the player being interfered with is contacted before the ball gets to him. The argument is that the ball was intercepted simultaneously as the interception, therefore making it legal contact. The argument is based on the rulebook, making it a viable and policy based argument. The controversy comes from the literal sense that Rob Gronkowski was literally hugged, and held. The other argument is that, at that point in the game, the call should be made. It is calling into question whether the call was favoritism for the home team, and whether the call was made with clear intentions. 

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24249499/nfl-vp-of-officiating-refs-werent-wrong-with-pantherpatriots-nocall