Nickell Robey-Coleman says he received death threats after missed penalty versus Saints
The now infamous missed pass interference call on Nickell Robey-Coleman has created plenty of turmoil for the NFL — and the Los Angeles Rams cornerback.
Robey-Coleman told reporters Wednesday he received death threats on social media following the controversial play that helped lift the Rams into the Super Bowl.
“Yeah, I had like one or two death threats,†Robey-Coleman said, per the Associated Press. “I mean, it wasn’t anything that I really paid attention to. I think it was just a fake page that was online by somebody that was probably bitter and didn’t like the call and they said something on Facebook or Instagram or something. But I ignored them and moved on.â€
The missed penalty, which NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitted was a mistake, has been an emotional thorn in the side of New Orleans Saints fans for nearly two weeks. Goodell waited until Wednesday to make his first public comments about the matter, and it hasn’t done much to quell the anger some fans are still feeling about the botched non-call.
“It’s a play that should be called,†Goodell said. “We’re going to make sure we do everything possible to address the issues going forward and see if there are improvements we can make through instant replay or anything else. I understand the emotions.â€
Robey-Coleman, who was fined $26,739 by the NFL for making helmet-to-helmet contact with Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis on the play, said he wasn’t going to let the controversy — or the threats he received — distract him from being focused on Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.
“A couple of threats — threats from people, fans, stuff like that,†he said. “It’s weird.â€
Robey-Coleman said there were no threats directed toward his family or home, and he just wants to put it behind him now that he and the Rams are in the Super Bowl and preparing to face Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on Sunday.
“I kind of ignore it, so it’s something I don’t let distract me,†he said. “I didn’t worry about it that much. Being in L.A., I’m pretty safe. I know my whereabouts and I feel like if I’m in a situation where I feel threatened or feel endangered, I’ll tell the organization.â€
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