Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick voiced his strong disapproval of the officiating during Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts after being penalized for unnecessary roughness in the third quarter. The penalty came after a hit on Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, which Fitzpatrick argued was a result of his natural momentum, criticizing the direction the officiating has taken.
“I thought we were playing football,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s not the same game I grew up with. You can’t hit anyone hard or be physical anymore.”
Minkah Fitzpatrick was penalized for unnecessary roughness on this play… does the NFL expect these guys to play in slow-motion?
— Kicks (@kicks) September 29, 2024
Earlier in the game, Fitzpatrick was also involved in two controversial hits on Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, one of which sidelined Richardson for the remainder of the game. Despite Fitzpatrick seemingly attempting to pull back on his tackle, he made contact with Richardson’s head after the quarterback awkwardly slid.
Fitzpatrick has previously criticized officiating, including in December 2021 when he objected to a personal foul for a hit on Minnesota’s K.J. Osborne, which he felt was a clean, well-timed play. He argued that such calls can unfairly alter game outcomes, highlighting the physical nature of football.
In Sunday’s game, Fitzpatrick’s penalty was crucial, leading to a Colts touchdown that extended their lead. Despite a spirited comeback, the Steelers lost 27-24. They will aim to recover in their next game against Dallas at Acrisure Stadium.
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