Rob Gronkowski is calling for the to institute referee punishments amid a slew of questionable officiating decisions this season. The New England Patriots legend also revealed he is skeptical of his long-time team’s chances at getting back to the Super Bowl, and suggested they made it last year due to a weak schedule.
Gronkowki shared his bevy of strong takes, revealed some newly-unearthed secrets about Bill Belichick’s strangest rules, and revealed a new technology he is using to heal his body from the wear and tear of football in an interview with OutKick.
Gronkowski believes officials should face consequences just as the players and coaches whose games they help decide do.
“So yeah, I think, you know, it would be fair and square to, you know, put the referees on a pedestal as well and â and have punishment just like any coach or any NFL player can be punished just like that,” Gronkowski said.
Asked whether the NFL needs more accountability for officials, Gronkowski pointed to how quickly a players fortunes can change.
“I think so, actually, because players are accountable. Players can be cut the very next day and youve seen players cut,” he continued.
Gronkowskis comments followed Tom Bradys criticism of several calls during the Detroit Lions 20-17 win over the Green Bay Packers during Sunday’s NFL on FOX broadcast. Brady and FOX rules analyst Dean Blandino disputed multiple decisions, including roughing-the-passer penalties and an intentional grounding call.
Gronkowski agreed with his former quarterbacks broader concerns.
“I dont think the referees are doing that great of a job. I think they can definitely improve,” he said.
He identified pass interference and roughing-the-passer calls as areas that need improvement before the postseason, warning that incorrect flags could determine games.
“We want it to be fair and square. Thats what fans want to see,” he said. “Yes, you call it when its appropriate, but when its not appropriate, you know, it doesnt need to be called and affects the game in all ways.”
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The NFL already grades officials on every play, according to its Football Operations website. Those evaluations help determine postseason assignments.
Gronkowski also recalled his own frustration with offensive pass interference penalties when defenders collided with him.
“It was just me running and I was just a bigger body. So the guy would bounce off of me, you know, even though he ran into me and then I would get the flag. It just didnt make any sense,” he said.
The Patriots enter Week 8 at 4-3 after a 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears, and have shown signs of regression after reaching the Super Bowl last year.
“Their schedule definitely was pretty, pretty simple last year. Theyre playing tougher opponents this year, tougher defenses. I think that has more to play with it,” Gronkowski said of the Patriots. “I definitely think the schedule plays a part in it for sure. It really does.”
Gronkowski sees a playoff team in New England. He is less convinced he sees a championship team.
“The Patriots, I think, are a pretty solid, you know, football team. And I think theyre going to make the playoffs. They definitely have a chance at winning their division. They just got to pick it up,” he said.
“I just dont see enough right now for them to be a potential, you know, Super Bowl candidate.”
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