PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AFC : Esiason Blames Official for Concussion
Boomer Esiason reportedly has blamed the on-field officials for the concussion he suffered in the New York Jets’ game last Sunday.
Esiason was knocked out on a hit by Buffalo defensive end Bruce Smith after Jet tackle Everett McIver made a swaying movement. The whistle didn’t blow until Smith was hitting Esiason.
“It’s the official’s fault,” the quarterback told the New York Daily News. “The official [head linesman Tony Veteri] takes the flag out when he sees the guy [McIver] moving. He’s supposed to blow the whistle and go running into the play and stop it, not throw the flag and then go running down the field and officiate the play.
“The league is fining its players. I hope to God that they fine the officials. They should. It’s ridiculous.”
The league had no comment on Esiason’s charges, but did say earlier this week neither Smith nor the officials would be fined.
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