An NFL official accidentally tripped Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson during the team’s Monday matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Ravens were facing 1st-and-10 from their own 20-yard line early in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Jackson was forced into scramble mode after Niners linebacker Fred Warner was left completely unblocked. The 49ers’ pressure forced the shifty Ravens QB all the way back to the end zone.
But before Jackson could properly get rid of the ball, he stumbled over the legs of referee Alex Moore. The NFL official had fallen into the end zone while backpedaling as the play unfolded.
Lamar Jackson was called for intentional grounding and a safety on this play 😮#BALvsSF pic.twitter.com/zJdeGfFURu
— ESPN (@espn) December 26, 2023
Jackson was flagged for intentional grounding, which resulted in a safety. The 49ers took the game’s first lead 2-0 partly thanks to Moore’s lack of balance.
Jackson was facing a lot of pressure from Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa. But he’s also arguably the best quarterback at eluding defenders with his legs. The Ravens QB probably could have at least avoided the intentional grounding penalty had he not been tripped up.
Fans and observers understandably ripped Moore, who tried to laugh off the tripping situation.
No way the referee just tripped Lamar Jackson and they call it as grounding and a safety in the end zone
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) December 26, 2023
The ref literally lost his footing and tripped Lamar Jackson. This is a new low for NFL officials. What else was Lamar supposed to do?
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) December 26, 2023
The ref laughing after tripping Lamar Jackson in the end zone isn't great.
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) December 26, 2023
NFL officials seem to have been lambasted by players and fans more than usual this season. Monday’s tripping debacle won’t exactly help the referees’ reputation.
