49ers’ Richard Sherman has sharp words on controversial pass interference no-call

One of the most controversial plays coming out of Sunday night’s epic 49ers win over the Seahawks drew a social media response from cornerback Richard Sherman.

Seahawks fans took issue with a non-pass interference call with 15 seconds left on a Russell Wilson incompletion to tight end Jacob Hollister in the end zone, moments before Hollister was stopped short of the goal line by rookie linebacker Dre Greenlaw on a fourth down that won the game for San Francisco.

Longtime coach and current NBC analyst Tony Dungy agreed with Seattle fans, noting the play should have garnered a replay review inside of two minutes, but the league issued a statement and determined that Hollister initiated the contact with linebacker Fred Warner and Warner defended the play legally.

Sherman, who has openly criticized the league’s officiating and rules that have made it more difficult to play aggressive defense, responded to Dungy’s claim.

The only aspect that isn’t up for debate is it was a critical play for both the 49ers and Seahawks. A flag there might have resulted in a game-winning touchdown rather than the pass attempt that came just inches short. And a loss for San Francisco would have meant going on the road as a wild card team to play Philadelphia on Wild Card weekend.

Instead, the 49ers earned the top seed in the playoffs and will enjoy a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

This story was originally published December 31, 2019 at 12:04 PM.