Most people who talk about Dan Campbell speak highly of him, including players and coaches from opposing teams even after losing to him. But former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie feels otherwise.
During a guest appearance on Chris “Mad Dog” Russo’s podcast this week, Christie, a loyal Cowboys fan, criticized Campbell’s character after the Lions’ 47-9 victory over the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
“That’s Dan Campbell; he has no class, never did,” Christie said during the podcast. “So it’s fine. Look, Dan Campbell is just like that, and what goes around comes around. I just think it’s misplaced, you know, Campbell’s upset because the refs missed a call in last year’s game. Well, take that up with Roger Goodell. The Cowboys had nothing to do with the bad call.
“It wasn’t a challenge by the Cowboys. It was the referees’ call. The Lions suffered from it. The Cowboys benefitted. But now, because of that, you want to take your revenge while you’re beating the Cowboys badly, and rub it in. That’s not how professionals act, but it’s his choice. It’s the reputation he’ll have. Honestly, I think that’s already his reputation.”
Last year, the Lions lost a controversial 20-19 game to the Cowboys — also at AT&T Stadium — after a 2-point conversion by offensive tackle Taylor Decker was ruled invalid because Decker was said to be an ineligible receiver.
According to referee Brad Allen in the postgame report, Lions lineman Dan Skipper had registered as the eligible receiver, not Decker.
Since that game, the Lions have mocked NFL officiating by making Skipper an eligible receiver in almost every game. They also ran several trick plays involving their linemen during Sunday’s game against the Cowboys.
With a 34-9 lead and 7:17 left in the third quarter, Lions quarterback Jared Goff attempted to throw a touchdown pass to Decker, but it was broken up.
About seven minutes later, with the Lions up 37-9, they executed another trick play — a hook and ladder where Amon-Ra St. Brown lateraled the ball to offensive tackle Penei Sewell for a touchdown. The play was nullified because center Frank Ragnow was illegally downfield.
The Lions also positioned Skipper at wide receiver for one play.
The 47-9 loss was the Cowboys’ worst home defeat since Jerry Jones bought the team in 1989.
