Back to the Top News Newsfeed

Super Bowl LVI Referee Says No Flag Needed on Controversial Tee Higgins Play

One of the most controversial plays of Super Bowl LVI came on the first snap in the second half, when Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins scored a 75-yard touchdown after appearing to grab the face mask of cornerback Jalen Ramsey and fling him to the ground. After the game, referee Ronald Torbert offered an explanation of the play—and deemed that the officials on the field got it right.

"Our rule is that if there is a grab and twist and turn, there’s enough for a foul," Torbert said to Pro Football Writers Association pool reporter Joe Reedy.