3S.Bengals Legend Andrew Whitworth Admits Refs Rigged Game for Cincinnati, Says Steelers Were the Real Winners

Cincinnati, OH – October 17, 2025

The NFL is facing yet another storm of controversy — this time with a stunning claim from one of its most respected figures. Former All-Pro lineman and Bengals legend

Andrew Whitworth has openly accused referee Clay Martin’s crew of “rigging and orchestrating the scoreline” in the Bengals’ narrow 33–31 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7.

Whitworth, who played 16 seasons in the league and is widely regarded as one of the most respected voices in football, didn’t mince words during his appearance on

The Herd. “You watch that tape and tell me it was clean — I dare you,” he said. “When the same crew controls momentum with phantom flags and false starts that only go one way, it’s not football anymore. It’s choreography.”

The turning point he referred to came late in the third quarter, when the Steelers were flagged for a false start on a tush-push attempt at the Bengals’ 38-yard line. The penalty erased a likely first down and forced Pittsburgh to settle for a field goal instead of a potential touchdown. The Bengals capitalized on the next drive, marching 75 yards for seven points and flipping the lead for good.

Video review showed that center Mason Cole’s movement before the snap was minimal — the same motion allowed for Eagles center Jason Kelce in identical plays. Yet, unlike Philadelphia, the Steelers were penalized immediately.

“That’s inconsistency at best and favoritism at worst,” Whitworth said. “You can’t tell fans this game’s fair when you change the rulebook based on the uniform.”

The officiating crew led by Clay Martin — including

Steve Woods (Umpire), Jerod Phillips (Down Judge), Brian Perry (Line Judge), Dave Hawkshaw (Field Judge), Alonzo Ramsey (Side Judge), Greg Wilson (Back Judge) — has drawn mounting criticism in recent weeks for questionable calls and uneven enforcement of movement penalties. Several analysts have noted the

“pattern of protection” given to Cincinnati in critical downs.

ESPN rules analyst Gene Steratore agreed the flag was “questionable at best.” He added, “If you’re going to call that on Pittsburgh, you’ve got to call it on every team. Otherwise, it’s not rule enforcement — it’s outcome management.”

Whitworth’s statement, coming from a former Bengals icon rather than a bitter opponent, only deepened the shockwave. “I love this city. I love the Bengals,” he said. “But I can’t ignore what I saw. When a win doesn’t feel earned, it hurts the players, the fans, and the shield itself.”

Across social media, the reaction was explosive. Hashtags like #RiggedInCincy and #ClayMartinCrew trended within hours, with even neutral fans demanding the NFL review the officiating from the game. Steelers head coach

Mike Tomlin declined to comment directly but remarked pointedly, “Some games are won on effort, others are decided elsewhere.”

Whitworth closed his remarks with a warning that cut deep:
“Football’s built on trust — trust in the rules, trust in fairness. When that’s gone, the scoreboard might as well be scripted. Sunday felt scripted.”

As the league remains silent on the matter, one thing is clear — when a Bengals legend accuses his own team’s officiating of crossing the line, the question isn’t about rivalry anymore. It’s about integrity.

Ravens Reach Verbal Agreement With Four-Time All-Pro Safety Before Final Preseason Game

Baltimore, MD – August 22, 2025

The Baltimore Ravens are moving swiftly to solidify their defense, reaching a verbal agreement with four-time All-Pro safety Justin Simmons before the final preseason game. With roster cuts approaching, the front office targeted veteran leadership to stabilize a secondary in transition.

Baltimore entered camp confident in star safety Kyle Hamilton, but the departure of Geno Stone in free agency left the depth chart thinner than expected. Ar’Darius Washington and younger reserves showed flashes, yet the consistency needed for a championship run remained elusive.

John Harbaugh has emphasized that the Ravens cannot rely on one star alone. Hamilton’s versatility is unmatched, but without a proven veteran beside him, Baltimore risked being exposed against AFC powerhouses with elite quarterbacks.

That urgency led to Simmons, one of the most respected safeties of the past decade. The 31-year-old has earned two Pro Bowl nods and four Second-Team All-Pro selections, with 32 career interceptions, including six in 2022 with Denver.

The verbal agreement is structured as a one-year deal worth $4 million with a $1 million signing bonus, pending a routine medical evaluation. Though not yet official, the move signals Baltimore’s commitment to balancing youth with experience.

“He’s the type of safety who elevates everyone around him,” one AFC executive said. “Pairing Simmons with Hamilton gives Baltimore a backfield combination as good as any in the league — range, instincts, and leadership all in one unit.”

Simmons spent eight seasons with the Denver Broncos before joining Atlanta in 2024, where he continued to produce despite a rebuilding roster. His durability and leadership have long made him a coveted presence across the NFL.

For the Ravens, this addition is about more than filling a roster spot. Simmons offers immediate credibility, mentorship for younger players, and a steadying hand in high-leverage situations. Baltimore is signaling that its defense, already its identity, is now fortified for another Super Bowl chase.