In response to the most infamous NFL no-call of the 21st century — an illegal hit by Nickell Robey-Coleman against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship Game — many around the nation and in Louisiana are demanding answers. Roger Goodell could be asked to provide them.
Now, some are taking action. According to the Associated Press, a Louisiana judge has ordered that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and three officials from the Saints-Rams game be questioned under oath in September for the lack of the call.
The attorney filing the lawsuit, Antonio LeMon, mentions that both the NFL's attorneys and his group will find a “mutually agreeable date” to continue action, according to AP's Kevin McGill. At stake is $75,000, which will be donated to charity if the plaintiff wins.
Previously, Louisiana State Civil District Court Judge Nicole Sheppard of New Orleans ruled that the lawsuit could come to fruition. She also noted that LeMon could request documents and interview NFL officials. Finally, a deposition date was set for August 22.
The no-call was a hinge point in the 2018 NFL season; it altered the league as a whole. The Saints appeared to be going to the Super Bowl to set up a much-anticipated Drew Brees-Tom Brady matchup. All they needed was a first down to milk the clock and score in the final seconds to beat the Los Angeles Rams. They appeared on their way, until Brees targeted Tommylee Lewis, who was hit before he caught the ball. In just every football scenario, the illegal hit would have resulted in a defensive pass interference penalty and, in turn, a first down.
Yet, the first down never happened, because the call was never made. The Rams won in overtime and walked out of the Superdome with an NFC title, to the dismay of New Orleans.
This court proceeding might not provide closure, but the mere reality that it is being pursued speaks to how deeply this moment lingers in the public memory.
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