🚨SPECIAL NEWS: Coach Sean McDermott angry before Bills vs Dolphins game, calls on NFL to replace referees after series of controversial decisions

Buffalo, New York – November 8, 2025

Just days before the AFC East showdown between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, head coach Sean McDermott has publicly called out the NFL over what he describes as “a serious officiating problem” — and demanded that referee Ronald Torbert be replaced before Sunday’s matchup.

“This league deserves better. My players deserve fairness,” McDermott said in a tense press briefing on Friday. “We’ve seen too many moments where calls — or no calls — have changed games. Enough is enough.”

The Controversy

The outburst comes after a series of questionable calls in recent Bills games, including two uncalled late hits on Josh Allen and a phantom holding penalty that wiped out a potential game-winning drive last week.
According to team sources, Buffalo’s coaching staff has submitted multiple video clips to the NFL office as evidence of officiating inconsistency.

The assigned officiating crew, led by Ronald Torbert, has quickly become a lightning rod for criticism this season. Fans and analysts alike have labeled his crew as one of the most flag-happy and least consistent in the league.

“We’re not asking for favors — we’re asking for balance,” said safety Jordan Poyer. “It’s hard to play this game when every drive feels like it’s at the mercy of a flag.”

Who Is Ronald Torbert?

Ronald Torbert, a Michigan native and Harvard Law School graduate, joined the NFL as an official in 2010 and was promoted to referee in 2014. He is one of the few African-American referees to ever lead a Super Bowl crew — notably officiating Super Bowl LVI (2022).

However, Torbert’s reputation has been under fire in recent seasons. His crew was criticized for inconsistent pass interference calls, missed roughing-the-passer penalties, and unusual game management decisions in several high-stakes matchups — including the Bills vs Chiefs playoff thriller in 2023.

Last season, Torbert’s crew ranked #3 in total penalties called (per game) and had one of the highest reversal rates when plays were reviewed by the league office.

The Stakes

Sunday’s game isn’t just another divisional matchup — it’s a potential playoff decider between two AFC East powerhouses.
The Dolphins lead the division, while the Bills are fighting to stay alive in the postseason race. Any questionable call could swing the outcome dramatically.

As pressure mounts, fans are flooding social media with hashtags like #ReplaceTorbert, #FairGameForBills, and #NFLIntegrity, demanding transparency from the league.

Game Information

• Matchup: Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins (Week 10)