Clay Martin (Photo via CBS)
On Sunday, the Bills and Texans are squaring off in a very exciting matchup between two AFC heavyweights, who are both Super Howl hopefuls. Of course, the nerves between coaches and players are high, and apparently, that can be said for referee Clay Martin as well.
During the first quarterback, a play was reviewed to determine whether Josh Allen had fumbled the ball inbounds or had already run out when the ball left his hands.
It would go the Bills’ way, as they would keep the ball and even earn a first down on the play.
However, when announcing the decision, Martin had a bizarre slip-up when he said, “The runner was out of bounds before he fumbled the basketball.”
He fumbled the WHAT???😂 pic.twitter.com/foBJgQqYhL
— BetOnline (@BetOnline_ag) October 6, 2024
A mistake like that wouldn’t go unnoticed, and everyone started commenting on what was just a simple mistake.
“refs forgot what sport they are officiating and i’m suppose to belive they can make the right calls?” said one comment.
“I don’t know what to think anymore,” said another.
“no wonder the refs have been so bad. calling over the back instead of PI,” joked a third.
“This is how bad NFL officiating is….,” added a fourth.
This shows that referees will never be safe in the eyes of the public.
Clay Martin Is Entering His 9th Year In The NFL
Martin first joined the NFL as an umpire in 2015 and has quickly raised through the ranks. By 2018, he would be promoted to referee
He has not looked back since, appearing in 188 games since that promotion, and has even been involved in a few playoff games.
He has been a part of the officiating crew in one playoff game for the last four seasons and will look to extend that to five after this regular season.
