By Mummy Grace 
Jason Cabinda Calls Out NFL for Missed Call in Lions’ Playoff Loss
In the aftermath of the Detroit Lions’ tough 45-31 playoff defeat to the Washington Commanders, former Lions fullback/linebacker Jason Cabinda took aim at the NFL for its handling of a missed penalty that could have altered the game’s outcome.
The controversy centers around a helmet-to-helmet hit delivered by Washington linebacker Frankie Luvu on Lions quarterback Jared Goff. The hit, which occurred during a key play leading to an interception returned for a touchdown, went unflagged during the game. However, the NFL later fined Luvu for roughing the passer—a post-game decision that didn’t sit well with Cabinda.
Cabinda Slams NFL on Social Media
Taking to Twitter, Cabinda didn’t mince words.
“Absolute BS that the NFL has plays where no flags are thrown and yet afterwards they will fine a player to try to clean up their own mistake,” Cabinda wrote, pointing out the inconsistency in the league’s enforcement of its rules.
The missed call proved critical, as Goff, briefly sidelined for a concussion evaluation, missed valuable playing time. The Lions struggled to recover, and the incident left fans and players alike questioning the officiating.
“Penalty Fines Should Be Equal”
Cabinda’s frustration deepened during a Twitter exchange with fans. When one fan suggested that fines for players and referees didn’t need to match, Cabinda responded sharply:
“No, the fines do have to be the same magnitude because the fines are absolutely ridiculous. Got some guys going into a game and literally losing money just for PLAYING FOOTBALL.”
Cabinda’s remarks highlighted a broader debate over fairness in the NFL’s disciplinary process. Many echoed his sentiments, calling for increased accountability for officials in addition to the hefty fines levied on players.
A Painful End for Lions Fans
For Detroit fans, the missed call and subsequent fine added insult to injury, fueling frustration over what could have been a game-changing moment in the divisional round.
As the NFL continues to face criticism for its handling of officiating errors, questions remain about whether the league will take meaningful steps to address these inconsistencies and hold referees accountable for mistakes that can decide a team’s season.