The NFL confirmed Tuesday that it will investigate Baltimore Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle's contention that he was called "a boy" by an on-field official.
Rolle, 31, accused head linesman Phil McKinnely of making the comment during Monday's 27-24 loss to the New England Patriots.
Samari Rolle reacts to a call in Monday's 27-24 Ravens loss.
(Gail Burton/Associated Press)
"The refs called me a boy," Rolle said. "No. 110 called me a boy.
"I will be calling my agent … and sending my complaint. I have a wife and three kids.
"Don't call me a boy. Don't call me a boy on the field during a game because I said, 'You've never played football before.'"
McKinnely, who wears No. 110, is a 53-year-old former NFL offensive tackle and, like Rolle, is black.
Officiating played a role in the outcome as the Patriots were aided by penalty calls on their decisive 13-play, 73-yard drive in the waning minutes.
Quarterback Tom Brady completed the comeback with an eight-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jabar Gaffney with 44 seconds remaining.
When Gaffney's TD catch, set up by a holding call against Ravens cornerback Jamaine Winborne on fourth down, was confirmed by video review, Ravens linebacker Bart Scott lost his cool and was assessed 30 yards in misconduct penalties.
"In a game of this magnitude, you don't make that kind of call," Rolle said. "Let the players decide the outcome of the game.
"You can crown them champions now. I'm not taking anything away from them, they are a great team.
"They're not asking the refs to help them. But it is just an empty feeling."
With files from the Associated Press
