Pereira Defends Controversial Call On "Mike & Mad Dog" Show

NFL VP/Officiating Mike Pereira was a guest on WFAN-AM’s "Mike & the Mad Dog" yesterday, where he discussed with hosts Chris Russo and Mike Francesa Sunday's controversial game-tying field goal by Browns K Phil Dawson against the Ravens. Francesa and Russo got into a heated argument with Pereira when discussing whether or not the play was reviewable. Below are exerts from the interview.

Russo: “Here’s what [the game official is] wrong about Mike: he didn’t know the rule.”

Pereira: “Well he knew the rule. … He knew that it wasn’t in the review book…”

Russo (interrupting): “No he didn’t!”

Francesa: “If he knew the rule then why did he go over there [to review the play]?”

Pereira: “Listen, I’m not on the phone to argue with you guys, alright? You want me on the call, I’ll be happy to discuss this thing; but I’m not going to sit here and have an argument. (Francesa tries to interrupt) Hey, hey! I told you … exactly why he went over there because he wanted to verify that it was not reviewable. That’s what he asked, and that’s what he was told. … He should have stuck to his guns knowing that it wasn’t reviewable and not gone over there. But he wanted to make sure that he was absolutely certain that it wasn’t reviewable.”

Francesa: “I’m saying from watching this unfold … I think he came out of there with information, so that’s my opinion.”

Pereira: “That’s how you saw it, that’s not how I see it.”

Francesa: “That’s fine, but again you are covering up for the mistakes of your officials.”

Pereira: “No I’m not.”

Russo: “Why can’t you make these reviewable?”

Pereira: “I agree.”

Russo, on Pereira after he had already signed off: “Well, there it is. He was mad. He’s good to us, we have to be careful.”

Francesa: “He’s very good to us, but I have to tell you I don’t agree with anything that he said.” ("Mike & the Mad Dog," YES, 11/20).