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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Rattlers irked by questionable call

Spokane wasn't the only AFL team that felt there should have been pass interference called on a key play in the closing seconds. Seems Arizona is sending tape into the league office, questioning the lack of a P.I. call on a failed two-point conversion in the closing seconds. Arizona, which entertains Spokane on Friday, lost to Tampa Bay 62-61.

On the final play of Spokane's 72-68 loss to Cleveland, Shock quarterback Kyle Rowley lobbed a pass toward Markee White in the end zone. The ball fell incomplete as White and a defensive back tumbled to the ground. Offensive coordinator Matt Sauk chased the exiting officials crew off the field, complaining about the no call. 

I spoke with Shock coach Rob Keefe on Monday about another momentum-turning play in Saturday's outcome. Raul Vijil lost the ball near the goal line shortly after he fielded a kickoff and Cleveland recovered at the 2. A flag was tossed, but officials collaberated and decided there was no kick-catch interference.

Replays show when Vijil first touched the ball, a Cleveland player was a couple of yards inside the 5-yard line. Opponents cannot be inside the 5 before the return man touches the ball. Cleveland eventually scored and reclaimed the lead 52-48 early in the fourth quarter.



Jim Meehan
Jim Meehan joined The Spokesman-Review in 1990. Jim is currently a reporter for the Sports Desk and covers Gonzaga University basketball, Spokane Empire football, college volleyball and golf.

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