By: Jessica Cihacek
jcihacek@kcautv.com
It was the play that changed everything. Possibly the worst and most controversial call in NFL history.
That call on the field that remained a touchdown and led the Seattle Seahawks to victory over the Green Bay Packers.
The reaction from the Packers and Packers fans was fast and furious. And now, a replacement ref in that game is speaking out.
Number 77, Mike Peek, says, "To see the game fall apart at the end, it was really one of those things it'd make you want to go back in the back room and cry a few tears."
Peek, a community college teacher in Texas had more experience than most of his fellow fill–in's - 13 years of Division I college reffing.
He didn't make the controversial call but won't second guess those who did.
Peek says, "You know somebody asked me if it's a good call or bad call, it depends on where you live, you know the replacement refs, we were at the mercy of the crowd."
The call made a spot on Saturday Night Live and earned thousands of Tweets immediately following.
Through all the outrage and ridicule, Peek says the replacement refs have plenty to be proud of.
"We did what we had to do, we kept the league afloat during the preseason and during the first few weeks of the regular season."
But Peek says he is glad that the official NFL refs are back in action.
"You know, they're the heroes now, they are the stars, they are the saviors of the game. I wish them well, I hope they have a great season."
