What did James Bradberry say on holding controversy? Eagles CB addresses call
James Bradberry and the Philadelphia Eagles would have been left feeling deflated after losing in a close encounter to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII. They lost out 38-35 to a field goal in the final minute.
The score came about because of what seemed like a soft call by the referees during the two-minute warning. He was called for a hold and it allowed the Kansas City Chiefs a new set of downs. By getting there, they could run the through the clock in the final minutes and kick the goal. By the time the Eagles got the ball back for their last offensive attempt, there were only four seconds remaining on the clock.
Here is a look at the call below. While it clearly seemed like there was contact, it did not seem so egregious that it merited a penalty. Given the implications of that moment, many argued that it should be allowed to slide.
Another look at the James Bradberry holding call
Was it the right decision to call this or was this too big of a moment?
https://t.co/5tml59HdGW
However, James Bradberry has himself now come out and admitted that he did indeed hold the Chiefs receiver. It might have been a slight pull but he acknowledged it was the right call. He was hoping that they would let it slide but he knew it was the right call. He said:
“It was a holding. I tugged his jersey. I was hoping they would let it slide."
For those who didn't like the call on James Bradberry, here's the word from the man himself:
“It was a holding. I tugged his jersey. I was hoping they would let it slide."
#Eagles #Chiefs
JuJu Smith-Schuster was also adamant after the game that it was the correct call. Though it seemed that the ball from Patrick Mahomes was already overthrown, one could have made a case that it was a hold that did not allow the receiver to get free in the first place. Here is what Smith-Schuster had to say.
#Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster asked if he feels he got held by #Eagles CB James Bradberry: “Oh yes. A hundred percent.” https://t.co/lazgtHpYM1
Nick Sirianni stands by James Bradberry and refuses to blame the call for their loss
If James Bradberry took accountability for his actions, it seems to stem right from the top in the Philadelphia locker room. Nick Sirianni could have come out and bemoaned the lack of support from the officials and there are many who would have been sympathetic toward him.
However, he chose the high road and said the call alone did not change the game. He said the Chiefs were overall better than the Eagles and congratulated them on their Super Bowl triumph.
#Eagles coach Nick Sirianni on the holding penalty: “It’s not my job to make the call. Those guys have to do that in a split second.” https://t.co/00XnD1iLgi
Nick Sirianni also took care not to blame any player for the loss and hugged every one of them after the loss. He did not miss out on James Bradberry either.
Nick Sirianni hugged every player in the Eagles locker room after the loss. Here is hugging James Bradberry. https://t.co/bm8F0JY2Cl
With coaches and players of such character, it might not be long before we see the Eagles grace this stage again.