Westbrook Accuses Official

Washington Redskin receiver Michael Westbrook accused an NFL official of nepotism Monday, one day after the Redskins were called for a season-high 14 penalties in a 33-17 loss to the Detroit Lions.

Westbrook pointed out that the line judge for the game at the Silverdome was Byron Boston, whose son is Arizona Cardinal rookie receiver David Boston.

“We just found out a little tidbit out there,” Westbrook said. “Somebody’s father that plays in our division is a referee. I told you, I knew there was a 12th man on the field. I just didn’t know who it was.”

Westbrook said Byron Boston called two penalties against right tackle Jon Jansen, a false start and an illegal hands to the face, that weren’t evident on the game film.

Washington (7-5) has a one-game lead over the Cardinals (6-6), the Dallas Cowboys (6-6) and the New York Giants (6-6) in the NFC East. The Cardinals, who have won four in a row, visit the Redskins on Sunday with first place on the line.

Because David Boston plays for Arizona, Byron Boston in not allowed to work regular-season or playoff games involving the Cardinals. He was allowed to work a Cardinal exhibition game this season, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Byron Boston has worked two other games involving NFC East teams this season, and both times the Cardinals’ rivals won. There are no other such father-son, official-player combinations in the league.

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With little else working for the Dallas Cowboy offense, Coach Chan Gailey may finally use Deion Sanders at wide receiver. Although Gailey was noncommittal, the idea has been raised by Sanders and seconded by team owner Jerry Jones, making it highly likely that the All-Pro cornerback will return to double duty--or triple if you count returning punts--against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.