NFL Warns Teams Against Leaking Referee Discussions

The NFL has reportedly issued a memo to its teams, reminding coaches and staff that conversations with referees are considered "confidential" and should not be discussed publicly. This action follows comments made by Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay regarding a crucial pass-interference penalty in his team's recent loss to the Denver Broncos.

During the Rams' 30-26 defeat in Denver, Los Angeles cornerback Josh Wallace was flagged for interfering with Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant. The penalty negated an interception and allowed Denver to score the game-winning touchdown with 47 seconds remaining. Replays suggested Bryant had initiated contact with Wallace.

Following the game, McVay stated that the NFL had informed him that the officials had made an error in calling the penalty. Coaches commonly request feedback from the league to better understand officiating and improve player technique. However, the league's subsequent memo appears to be a direct response to McVay's public statements.

"Like I've told you, the only thing that matters to me is how to educate our players," McVay said earlier in the week. "And it's like I said to you guys afterwards, I wouldn't change the way that I'm coaching Josh Wallace on how to play the cycle of that snap. Whether it was or wasn't right, that wasn't the point. The call was made, and that was what the call was."

McVay added that his interest was in receiving feedback aligning with correct defensive pass interference officiating. He concluded by stating that the game against Denver was behind them and the team, now with a 1-2 record, needed to move forward.