Golden Tate says, yes, he pushed off just before going up for that final, fateful pass at the end of the Seattle controversial victory over Green Bay Monday night, a play that put into motion an agreement between the NFL and the referee union that ended the three-month-long lockout.
Golden Tate says, no, he is not a cheater, as some misguided fans have claimed, and was just trying to make a desperation play on the ball.
“A lot of people would just like for me to come out and say, ‘I did not catch that ball,'” Tate said , according to the Seattle Times, referring to the 24-yard touchdown reception he was credited with instead of an interception for Packers defensive back M.D. Jennings, who got his hands on the ball first.
After the game Monday night, Tate said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” when ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters asked him whether he had pushed off against Packers defensive back Sam Shields.
But after watching the replay, he said to the Times, “The evidence shows on the film. But I never had intentions on cheating. I wasn’t trying to cheat. I was competing, it was in the moment. Things are happening so quick. I honestly didn’t even notice I did. I didn’t try to hurt him or push him down to the ground, but it happened. It was just a reaction kind of thing.
“As far as pushing the defender, I was caught up in the moment, playing football. At that point, it was just like backyard football — find a way to get the ball. I didn’t intentionally try to shove him to the ground.”
The call became a rallying point for players, coaches and fans frustrated with three weeks of replacement officials working regular-season games. Every football pundit in the country has given his take on the final play. Even President Barack Obama and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney have expressed their views on Tate’s touchdown and the replacement officials.
Side judge Lance Easley called it a touchdown citing simultaneous possession, while back judge Derrick Rhone-Dunn waved his arms to stop the clock. Referee Wayne Elliott announced the play would be reviewed and, after coming out from under the hood, said the ruling on the field of a touchdown stood.
This is the second straight week Tate has found himself the center of attention after an on-field incident. Last week it was a crushing block on Dallas linebacker Sean Lee that drew Tate a $21,000 fine that he is appealing.
The criticism and debate that came with Tate’s block on Lee seems tame compared to the vitriol being thrown toward him for the disputed touchdown.
“I definitely believe everyone knows who Golden Tate is now,” Seattle offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said.
