You never want to have a flag thrown your team’s way, but you especially don’t want a flag thrown your way.
That’s what happened to poor Memphis wide receiver Joseph Scates, who got an errant flag thrown right into his groin by a referee with very poor aim during his team’s overtime win against Charlotte on Saturday.
It’s the kind of below-the-belt hazard that you just cannot predict, as Scates admirably tried to walk off the unfortunate contact but clearly looked like he was in a bit of pain.
The flag just nailed him right where it hurts the most, and you have to feel for him in this incredibly unfortunate moment.
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) November 11, 2023
The ref who threw this flag needs to watch out next time, lest he accidentally nail somebody else in the groin the next time he throws a penalty flag.
At the least, Scates should get, like, one gimme illegal shift or something that’s not called on him in a game of his choosing. He deserves it after this encounter with officiating.
Feature image courtesy of ESPN.
