Giants owner Mara opening up to replay review of pass interference
New York's owner has been against it in the past, but is now rethinking his position.
By
Jared Dubin
•
1 min read
New York Giants owner John Mara, speaking on WFAN in New York, indicated that he might be open to allowing replay for pass interference calls.
On @WFAN660 John Mara says about replay for PIs: “I’ve always been an opponent of it, but I’m starting to think a little different about it”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2015
Mara is an influential voice among the owners and has the ear of the commissioner as well. He's also on the NFL Competition Committee, a group of eight members chosen from the league's coach and ownership ranks to oversee competition and suggest rule changes.
Pass interference and the ability to challenge it has been a big talking point in this year's playoffs, with the Cowboys-Lions Wild Card game arguably being swung by a picked-up flag on a pass interference call against Dallas linebacker Anthony Hitchens. (Which Lions coach Jim Caldwell arguably could have made moot had he just gone for it on fourth down, but that's neither here nor there.)
If Mara is thinking about changing his mind on the issue, you have to think the Competition Committee will at least discuss it, and would could possibly see pass inteference be challengeable as soon as next season.
UPDATE (3:55 PM EASTERN): Mara also told ESPN Radio in New York that he thinks the NFL should look into the so-called "Calvin Johnson Rule."
John Mara on @ESPNNY98_7FM on the "Calvin Johnson Rule": "I really think we need to discuss that again."
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) January 14, 2015
