Command centre corrects missed head shot on Lions QB Mike Reilly

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The officials missed the call, but the command centre did its job.

Lions quarterback Mike Reilly took a shot underneath the chin from Stampeders defensive lineman Ivan McLennan after he let a pass go which was picked off and returned for a touchdown by Tre Roberson.

The on-field referee crew didn’t throw a penalty flag on the play – even though there is supposed to be increased awareness regarding head shots. B.C. head coach DeVone Claybrooks was forced to use his challenge to have the command centre review the play. It was clear even in real time game action Reilly absorbed the crown of McLennan’s helmet to his head.

This is the roughing the passer call that brought back the Pick 6.#CFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/OAGoKoAJe7

— CFL on TSN (@CFLonTSN) June 29, 2019

Roughing the passer was called and the Lions kept the ball and turned the drive into a touchdown. Reilly is known for taking shots and staying in games, but there shouldn’t need to be a challenge burned to get the call right.

“We should embrace a shared responsibility to do all we can to punish and deter any play that crosses the line,” commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a recent statement.

The stripes need to share the same burden in order to protect the players.