Scott Van Pelt Calls NFL Season’s Number of Flags and Penalties “Bullsh*t”
Penalty numbers draw attention
The NFL season has featured more flags than last year, with the average number of penalties per game rising. It also set a record for penalties called in a single week.
Some prominent games and moments have been affected by officiating decisions. Disagreements over those calls have become a recurring topic during the season.
Van Pelt questions consistency
On Tuesday, ESPN host Scott Van Pelt voiced his frustration on SVPod. He said the volume of flags and discussion about how games are called had become excessive.
Van Pelt singled out defensive pass interference and illegal contact on passing plays. He described the wait to learn whether a foul would be called on key third- and fourth-down plays as frustrating.
Technology proposed as aid
Van Pelt said the league could examine its officiating system as a whole and use technology to help make decisions more consistent. He also argued that ongoing controversy does not serve a league whose product is widely popular.
Analysts including Tom Brady and commentator Jon Gruden have criticized major officiating decisions early in the season. The article notes that rising penalty totals are real, while also saying the perception of the problem may grow as frustrated fans respond to one another.
Key points
- The NFL’s average penalties per game is higher than last season.
- The season included the highest single-week total of called penalties in league history.
- Scott Van Pelt criticized inconsistent officiating and the number of flags.
- Van Pelt said technology could help improve consistency.