The XFL is known for being a very different professional football product, but a game Monday night took different to a new level.
Houston Roughnecks defensive back Ajene Harris was penalized for an extremely bizarre reason, and ESPN2 viewers were able to see the aftermath all play out thanks to the action being mic’d up.
A flag was thrown during the third quarter, and the referee prepared to relay the details of the penalty from another official. It led to a hilarious exchange.
Official: “Unsportsmanlike on No. 3, white, for squirting me with water.”
Referee: “Where was he? On the sideline?”
Official: “Correct, behind me.”
Referee: “No. 3? Squirted you with water? You’ve got it.”
Official: Yes sir.”
Referee: “You’ve got it.”
The referee then made the announcement: “Unsportsmanlike conduct, defense, No. 3. He squirted the down judge with a water bottle.”
The referee was as confused as the rest of us and didn’t even know what to say to Houston head coach Wade Phillips.
And video has not surfaced of the water bottle being squirted at the down judge, so we’ll just have to take his word for it.
As for the actual game, the D.C. Defenders — quarterbacked by Jordan Ta’amuame — came away with a 37-26 victory and are the XFL’s only unbeaten team at 6-0.
[ESPN2]
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.