League Concludes Review of Dragons-Soul Final Play
Published on July 8, 2008 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
NEW YORK - The League Office has concluded its review of the final play of the New York Dragons-Philadelphia Soul Divisional Round playoff game played Saturday, July 5 at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center.
The review found that: (i) the Referee was correct in upholding the ruling on the field because he found that instant replay was inconclusive; (ii) that timing was handled properly; (iii) that the Soul should have attempted a conversion following its touchdown; and (iv) that new procedures regarding game administration for all remaining playoff games will be implemented immediately. The Dragons did not file an official protest with the League Office.
Trailing 48-43 with seven seconds remaining in the game, Soul WR LARRY BRACKINS caught a 28-yard pass, ran for the end zone, was met by defenders and dove for the goal line as time expired.
The Line Judge and Back Judge, who was positioned on the goal line, ruled that the ball had broken the plane of the goal before Brackins' knee touched the ground and signaled touchdown, seemingly providing Philadelphia with a 49-48 victory.
New York Dragons head coach WEYLAN HARDING challenged the ruling on the field. After reviewing four angles, Referee BILL ATHAN determined that the replays did not provide the indisputable visual evidence necessary to reverse the call, and, therefore, upheld the ruling on the field and pronounced the game over.
After the conclusion of the game, a number of issues arose regarding the circumstances of the final play, leading the League Office to review all elements of it.
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