In a shocking turn of events, the 2024 Super Bowl referee, Bill Vinovich, finds himself at the center of controversy once again. This seasoned referee, who has officiated two previous Super Bowls and countless NFL games, is no stranger to wild and heated playoff endings. However, it was his decision during the 2019 NFC Championship game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints that truly put him in the spotlight.
With just 1:49 remaining in regulation and the game tied at 20-20, Vinovich and his crew made a fateful choice. They chose not to throw a flag on what appeared to be a blatant pass interference committed by Rams CB Nickel Robey-Coleman. This controversial decision denied the Saints a potential 1st-and-goal opportunity, which could have propelled them to the Super Bowl.
As we reflect on this day, four years ago, it is still hard to fathom how this clear pass interference was not ruled in favor of the Saints. This pivotal moment ultimately led to the Rams securing victory in the NFC Championship. The Saints, who were favored by three points, were left devastated and robbed of their chance to compete in the grandest stage of all.
Bill Vinovich’s name will forever be associated with this infamous call. Despite his extensive experience and years in the league, this decision will undoubtedly be a stain on his career. As the head referee of the highly anticipated 2024 Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, Vinovich will surely face intense scrutiny and pressure to ensure fair and unbiased officiating.
Only time will tell if Vinovich can redeem himself and regain the trust of fans and players alike. The 2024 Super Bowl will serve as a test of his abilities and resilience. Will he be able to put the past behind him and make the right calls when it matters most? The eyes of the football world will be watching, eager to see if history will repeat itself or if Vinovich can rewrite his own narrative.
VINOVICH MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST REFEREE TO OVERSEE SUPER BOWL REMATCH
In a historic moment for the NFL, referee Vinovich has been selected to officiate the upcoming Super Bowl rematch. This marks the first time in NFL history that a referee has overseen a rematch in the Super Bowl. Vinovich previously officiated a Super Bowl four years ago, where the Chiefs emerged victorious over the 49ers with a score of 31-20 in February 2020.
During that game, the 49ers held a 20-10 lead until the fourth quarter when the Chiefs scored three consecutive touchdowns, securing their victory. Vinovich’s other previous Super Bowl appearance was in 2015, in a memorable game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. The game concluded with an iconic interception by Malcolm Butler on the goal line, sealing the Patriots’ win.
Vinovich’s impressive career also includes being named an alternate referee for the 2013 Ravens-49ers and 2022 Rams-Bengals Super Bowls. Notably, he officiated the thrilling 2013 Divisional Round double overtime game between the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos, which is known as the “Mile High Miracle.” This game featured 73 total points, a game-tying 70-yard touchdown, and several crucial calls that influenced the momentum of the game.
As the Super Bowl approaches, fans can expect a potentially lower-scoring game compared to last year’s shootout between the Chiefs and Eagles. According to CBS SportsLine’s Mackenzie Brooks, Vinovich has a tendency to favor the under in his officiating. Since 2016, his games have resulted in more unders than overs, with a record of 81-51-1. Additionally, the average points scored in his games since 2018 is 41. In that same span, underdogs have covered the spread 68-60-4.
Contrary to predictions, Vinovich will be joined by a different officiating crew than usual for Super Bowl LVIII. The NFL selects its Super Bowl crews based on merit, ensuring the most qualified officials are chosen. The crew for this year’s Super Bowl includes umpire Terry Killens, down judge Patrick Holt, line judge Mark Perlman, field judge Tom Hill, side judge Allen Baynes, back judge Brad Freeman, and replay official Mike Chase.
With Vinovich at the helm and a talented crew of officials, Super Bowl LVIII promises to be an exciting and closely contested game.
According to the Source heavy.com