National Football League to investigate Ed Hochuli’s ‘not old enough’ comment to Cam Newton

NFL referee Ed Hochuli is “adamant” that he never told Carolina quarterback Cam Newton that he’s too young to get a personal-foul call Sunday in a game against New Orleans, according to league vice president of officiating Dean Blandino.

In the interview Monday, Blandino says he spoke with Hochuli and “Ed was adamant that he did not say that”.

On the play in question, Saints defensive lineman Tyeler Davison knocked Newton to the ground after the quarterback had released a throw on the run.

Speaking at the Panthers postgame press conference – where he wore a CAMOUFLAGE SUIT – Newton said Hochuli told him he “wasn’t old enough” to draw a penalty. I think a lot of what they got, we gave them. “I was looking at him like, ‘I didn’t think that you had to have seniority to get a personal foul or anything like that.’…”

He added that Hochuli made the correct on the play, because Newton was outside the pocket and on the run when it happened.

Hopefully the Saints are prepared for a few games with Luke McCown at quarterback, as he is now the starter for week three and depending on Brees’ injury, he could be there quite a bit longer. For me, when it is something around the same range and for that flag not to be called, get called.

You can debate amongst yourselves who you believe in a game of “he said/he said” between the Panthers quarterback and the league’s most visible official. But he still was upset about the hit. If he would’ve said that he missed the call then that is one thing.

Rob Ryan will likely dial up multiple blitzes in this one because his front four struggles to get pressure on their own. So heaven forbid he gets any rookies.

Blandino understands there is a perception that veterans such as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning get more calls than others, but he doesn’t see that.

“No, I think we talked this morning and he felt like it was the best thing”.

“That’s not what we teach”, Blandino said.

Meanwhile, the Saints were increasingly hopeful about the possible returns of cornerback Keenan Lewis (hip) and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (toe), who have not played yet this season. It’s what’s the posture is and was it a violation. “So saying something to that effect is certainly something that is not appropriate”. “Again, Ed is adamant that he didn’t say it, and that’s where we are”.

Newton was visibly shaken after his conversation with Hochuli.