By Sunday 
Dan Campbell’s Frustration Boils Over
The drama from the Detroit Lions’ Week 6 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs refuses to die quietly. What looked like a gutsy, highlight-worthy trick play — Jared Goff catching a touchdown pass from running back David Montgomery — turned into a weeklong controversy after the score was overturned for illegal motion.
Head coach Dan Campbell didn’t hold back afterward, suggesting the NFL league office may have stepped in during the long review to influence the decision. But now, the league’s top brass is saying, “Not so fast, Coach.”
Troy Vincent Clears the Air
NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent directly addressed Campbell’s claim this week on Pro Football Talk, and his response was firm.
“It was not (any assistance given from the league office),” Vincent said. “I’m not sure who Coach Campbell was referring to, but we did not assist in that. We didn’t have to.”
Vincent went on to explain that the lengthy delay wasn’t evidence of interference from New York, but rather normal on-field communication between referees sorting out a complex situation. He even compared it to other cases, like intentional grounding calls, where refs often huddle before tossing a late flag.
So, according to Vincent — this one was all on the field.
The Call That Sparked It All
The play itself was bold: on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Goff lined up wide as Montgomery took the direct snap and threw to his quarterback. Goff juggled the ball but appeared to regain control as he crossed the goal line.
Then came the pause. The huddle. The confusion. And finally, the flag. Officials ruled Goff never got fully set before motioning — a textbook illegal motion penalty — wiping out what would’ve been a feel-good touchdown.
Instead, Detroit settled for a field goal and, eventually, a loss.
No Replay Help on Motion Calls
Adding to the clarification, Mark Butterworth, the NFL’s vice president of replay training and development, also noted that replay officials aren’t even allowed to intervene on illegal motion penalties. Their role is limited to identifying players or jersey numbers, not making judgment calls.
That means Campbell’s theory — that the league office “stepped in” — doesn’t hold water under NFL rules.
Lions Bounce Back Regardless
To their credit, the Lions haven’t let the controversy linger on the field. They followed the loss to Kansas City with a convincing win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before heading into their bye week.
Quarterback Jared Goff summed it up perfectly after that bounce-back victory:
“We’ve got a really strong group and I don’t think one win ever gets us down… we know we have to respond and did today.”
For Detroit, the message is clear — control what you can, and move on from what you can’t.
Bottom Line
The league’s message to Campbell was just as clear: the NFL didn’t make the call. It might not erase the frustration of a lost touchdown, but it does close the loop on one of Week 6’s strangest storylines.
Still, with the Lions rolling and Goff steady, fans might not be talking about officiating much longer — at least, until the next big call.