<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"The NFL says it has reviewed Monday night's controversial call and will not overturn the ruling.The league said in a statement Tuesday that Seattle's last-second touchdown pass should not have been overturned.The NFL said Seahawks receiver Golden Tate should have been called for offensive pass interference before the catch, which would have clinched a Packers victory, but that cannot be reviewed by instant replay.The replacement officials ruled on the field that Tate had simultaneous possession with Green Bay safety M.D. Jennings, which counts as a reception. The NFL said that once that happened, the referee was correct that no indisputable visual evidence existed on review to overturn the touchdown call.On the final play, Russell Wilson heaved a 24-yard pass into a scrum in the end zone. Tate and Jennings both got their hands on the ball, though the Packers insisted Jennings had clear possession for a game-ending interception.According to NFL.com, the following rules apply to the decision:-- A player (or players) jumping in the air has not legally gained possession of the ball until he satisfies the elements of a catch listed here.-- Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3 of the NFL Rule Book defines a catch:A forward pass is complete (by the offense) or intercepted (by the defense) if a player, who is inbounds:secures control of the ball in his hands or arms prior to the ball touching the ground; andtouches the ground inbounds with both feet or with any part of his body other than his hands; andmaintains control of the ball long enough, after (a) and (b) have been fulfilled, to enable him to perform any act common to the game (i.e., maintaining control long enough to pitch it, pass it, advance with it, or avoid or ward off an opponent, etc.).-- When a player (or players) is going to the ground in the attempt to catch a pass, Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 1 states:Player Going to the Ground. If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.-- Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 5 states:Simultaneous Catch. If a pass is caught simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers. It is not a simultaneous catch if a player gains control first and an opponent subsequently gains joint control. If the ball is muffed after simultaneous touching by two such players, all the players of the passing team become eligible to catch the loose ball.-"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.wisn.com/article/nfl-won-t-overturn-monday-night-s-call/6311439>