posted by Zebra Man on Jan 8
On January 8th, 1995, in a playoff game between the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers, the Dolphins are leading 21 to 15 with 9:20 remaining in the 4th quarter. It is 1st and 20 for the Dolphins on their own 14 yard line after a holding penalty was correctly called on Miami tight end, Keith Jackson, during the previous running play.
Keith Jackson has scored two of Miami’s three touchdowns in the game. Legendary quarterback for the Dolphins, Dan Marino, takes the snap and completes a pass over the middle to Jackson. Two Charger defenders quickly close on him at the Miami 33 yard line. As Jackson is being tackled to the ground, he inexplicably throws the ball forward; apparently trying to lateral the ball to wide receiver, Irving Fryar. Chargers safety, Darren Carrington, recovers the ball.
NFL referee Johnny Grier makes a highly controversial call. Instead of a fumble, he calls Jackson’s lateral attempt an illegal forward pass. The Dolphins are penalized with loss of the down and five more yard, but they get to keep the ball.
Head Zebra (Senior Director of Officiating), Jerry Seeman is present at the game. He passes word to the announcers that it is the same situation as a quarterback running past the line of scrimmage and throwing the ball forward..
Despite the bad ruling, the Chargers still manage to win the game by a score of 22 to 21.
Dolphins at Chargers Box Score – January 8th, 1995
Chargers Dodge Final Bullet – The Victoria Advocate – January 9th, 1995
Wide Right, and the Chargers Are Left Standing – New York Times – January 9th, 1995
Lightning Strikes For Chargers – Los Angeles Times – January 9th, 1995
It Was A Ragged Game – Examiner News Services – January 9th, 1995
Coaches Question Refs’ Calls – Sunday Star-News – January 10th, 1995
