If Detroit Lions fans thought the officiating in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams couldn’t look any worse, a newly surfaced video has only intensified the outrage.
A clip circulating online shows the Rams coaching staff visibly stunned moments after officials upheld Colby Parkinson’s controversial touchdown—a play in which replays appeared to show Parkinson’s knee clearly down before the ball crossed the goal line.
Rams Coaches Appear Shocked by Ruling
As the referee announced that the ruling on the field would stand following review, one Rams coach was caught on camera reacting with disbelief, wide-eyed and blurting out:
“What?!”
The reaction quickly went viral, with many Lions fans pointing out that even the Rams sideline did not seem confident the play should have been ruled a touchdown.
The moment mirrored the reaction across Detroit, where fans, analysts, and former players alike questioned how the call was not overturned after review.
Lions Feel Costly Call Shifted the Game
The upheld touchdown became one of the most talked-about moments of the game, with many believing it significantly impacted the outcome. Replays showed Parkinson’s knee touching the turf while the ball appeared short of the goal line—yet the NFL replay center allowed the call to stand.
For Lions fans, the moment reinforced a growing frustration with officiating decisions in critical situations.
Dan Campbell Confirms Lack of Explanation From Officials
Following the loss, Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed he received little clarity from the officiating crew.
“They just said, ‘The call stands.’ That was about all I got,” Campbell told reporters.
Campbell confirmed the team plans to contact the NFL league office seeking further explanation, though Detroit fans remain skeptical any meaningful accountability will follow.
Viral Video Adds Fuel to Officiating Controversy
The emergence of the Rams coaches’ reaction video has only added another layer to the controversy. Lions supporters argue that if both teams, the broadcast analysts, and viewers at home could see the knee was down, the replay officials should have reached the same conclusion.
The NFL may not change the outcome, but the play—and now the video—has become another flashpoint in discussions surrounding replay consistency and officiating transparency.
A Moment That Won’t Be Forgotten in Detroit
While the touchdown will remain on the stat sheet, the backlash continues to grow. The clip is spreading rapidly on social media, giving Lions fans fresh evidence in their argument that a missed call played a major role in the loss.
For Detroit, it’s another painful reminder that in crucial moments, the margin for error can feel stacked against them.
