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Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson Calls Referees “Cheaters” After Controversial Touchdown Overturn in Loss to Eagles

Frustration boiled over in Minneapolis on Sunday night as Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson didn’t hold back his anger following the team’s 35–22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Late in the fourth quarter, the Vikings appeared to score a crucial touchdown when Hockenson made a diving catch in the end zone. The play would have cut Philadelphia’s lead to one possession — but after review, the referees ruled that Hockenson lost control of the ball as he hit the ground. The touchdown was overturned, forcing the Vikings to settle for a field goal instead.

According to NFL reporter Emily Leiker, the replay determined that Hockenson “lost possession as he came down, even after pulling it into his body,” nullifying what seemed to be a momentum-shifting play.

The Vikings’ sideline erupted in disbelief, and after the game, Hockenson voiced his frustration:

“That was a touchdown. Everyone saw it. I’m tired of this — these refs are cheaters, straight up. We fight our hearts out and get robbed like that? It’s embarrassing for the league.”

The call completely changed the rhythm of the game, killing Minnesota’s last push to stay alive. Quarterback Carson Wentz, who threw for 313 yards and two interceptions, had led the drive that should’ve ended in six points. Instead, the Vikings had to watch their comeback hopes fade away.

The league has yet to comment on the controversial decision, but fans across social media have already sparked debate — with many calling it “the moment that cost Minnesota the game.”

Despite the loss, Hockenson’s fiery reaction summed up the emotions of the entire Vikings locker room: disbelief, anger, and the painful feeling of a win slipping through their hands.

Jerry Jones Speaks Out, Criticizes the Controversy Surrounding the Cowboys WR After the Loss to the Lions
DALLAS — Jerry Jones has finally had enough. In a fiery radio interview on 105.3 The Fan Tuesday morning, the Cowboys owner publicly ripped into star wide receiver George Pickens for his explosive, now-deleted Instagram beef with Richard Sherman following the Thanksgiving nightmare against the Detroit Lions. “I love everything George has done this year,” Jones said. “But let me be very clear — I don’t want to see him sitting on Instagram arguing with Richard Sherman or anybody else. Put the phone down, stop the social media nonsense, and focus on playing football. That’s what we pay him for.” Mic drop. The 82-year-old owner rarely calls out his own players by name in public, making this one of the sharpest rebukes in recent Cowboys history. Quick recap of the chaos: Lions game: CeeDee Lamb gets hurt and leaves early → Pickens disappears with a miserable 5 catches for 37 yards. Richard Sherman goes on TV and says Pickens “quit on routes” and showed zero effort. Pickens claps back with a savage (and quickly deleted) Instagram story: “Old man still talking.” Internet explodes. Despite the ugly performance, Pickens still leads the Cowboys in every major receiving stat (78 receptions, 1,179 yards, 8 TDs), but Jerry Jones just drew a line in the sand: the social media wars end today. “I have zero concern about George competing and helping us win games on the field,” Jones continued. “My only concern is him wasting time and energy on this Instagram back-and-forth instead of turning the page.” Will this public dressing-down light a fire under Pickens… or pour gasoline on an already raging controversy? One thing is certain — every snap this Sunday will be scrutinized like never before. Is Jerry Jones right to go nuclear on his star WR? Or did he just make the drama ten times worse?