Replacement referee Ken Roan says he mistakenly awarded San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh two challenges after the coach had called his last timeout on Sunday against the Vikings. The miscues late in the fourth quarter threw the game into mass confusion as the Vikings were closing out a 24-13 victory over the previously undefeated 49ers. With the Vikings trying to run out the clock, Harbaugh called his last timeout after a run by Toby Gerhart on third down. He then decided to challenge the play, and replays showed that Gerhart fumbled the ball and the 49ers got their timeout back. It happened again on Minnesota's next possession, when Harbaugh called timeout and later decided to challenge. Source: Associated Press
[ame=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap1000000065186/Was-Jim-Harbaugh-given-an-extra-timeout]NFL Videos: Was Jim Harbaugh given an extra timeout?[/ame]
Dear replacement refs, I appreciate you trying to give the 49ers the win today. While we chose to squander the opportunity that you so generously bestowed I do hope that it does not discourage you from doing the same thing in the future for the duration of your stay in the league. Sincerily, 49er fans
