Cowboys’ Micah Parsons Accuses NFL of Biased Officiating, criticizes eagles’ “Tush Push” Play
GREEN BAY, WI – October 27, 2023 – Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah parsons leveled strong accusations against the NFL regarding officiating, alleging a double standard that favors offensive players and contributes to inflated scoring.Parsons also voiced his disapproval of the Philadelphia Eagles‘ controversial “tush push” play,sparking potential controversy ahead of a key November matchup.
According to ESPN Research, the Green Bay Packers have had only six holding penalties called on their opponents this season, tied for the third fewest in the league, despite having played one fewer game than most teams. Parsons believes this is part of a larger pattern.
“Like, five years of not getting a call, you eventually stop worrying about it,” Parsons said. “I think I’ve just got to keep going. That’s the hunt, yeah. That’s part of the challenges. You’ve got to keep going. And that’s bothersome. That worries them. They know that.”
Parsons expanded on his concerns, claiming the league intentionally calls penalties differently depending on which side of the ball is involved. “They know you can tell how they call the games. They don’t call offsides for offense, but they’ll call it on defense. They won’t call offensive pass interference,but they’ll call defensive pass interference. We know what they’re trying to do. They want to load the points up so fans can be happy. They’ll call defensive holding, but they won’t call offensive holding. Let’s just wake up.”
The NFL’s leading pass rusher with 4.6 pressures per game (ESPN Research), parsons also cited a specific instance during Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals where he was poked in the eye, resulting in a popped blood vessel, but no penalty was called for illegal hands to the face. He later switched to a more protective face mask.
Parsons further argued for consistent player safety rules. “If you’re going to say its about protecting players, then protect all players,” he stated. “Don’t just protect one side of the ball. Like, I don’t mind guys chipping from the outside, but running backs want to come and [hit] players while we’re engaged with offensive linemen, that’s complete bulls—. That’s not good football. That’s not safe football.” He also pointed to disparities in fines, noting a potential $50,000 penalty for helmet-to-helmet contact against offensive players, while similar actions against defensive players frequently enough go unpunished. “I might get a fine for this [news] conference,” he added.
Turning to the Eagles, Parsons publicly criticized their “tush push” play – a short-yardage quarterback sneak – after Philadelphia ran it four consecutive times against the New York Giants last week.
“S—, if you ask the Eagles’ offensive players, they’ll probably say, ‘That’s the best thing we’re doing on offense right now,'” Parsons said. “it’s the most consistent thing they’ve got. That might come [back] and bite me one day.”
The Cowboys and Eagles are scheduled to face off on November 10 at Lambeau Field, a game that now carries added weight given Parsons’ outspoken comments. The Eagles have lost their last two games after starting the season 4-0, and have been held to 17 points in each of those losses, despite the success of the ”tush push” play.
