The referee cast into the spotlight for his ruling on what is now known as the “Fail Mary” has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, according to Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports.
‘Fail Mary’ ref diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder
Lance Easley says he has dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder, severe depression and suicidal thoughts since refereeing the “Fail Mary.”
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Lance Easley, 55, told Yahoo that in the time since the game in September 2012, he has dealt with PTSD, severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Easley was one of many replacement officials hired by the NFL during a labor dispute between the league and the NFL Referees Association that began in June 2012 and ended after the controversial finish to Monday Night Football in Week 3.
On the final play of the game between the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers, a Hail Mary pass from Russell Wilson appeared to be intercepted by Packers defensive back M.D. Jennings, before it was wrestled away by Seahawks receiver Golden Tate.
Easley signaled touchdown, but back judge Derrick Rhone-Dunn signaled interception, which became a symbol for the inadequacy of the replacement referees. Seattle was awarded the score and won, 14-12.
Since that night, Easley says he’s “just trying to keep [his] life together.”
“Nobody died,” Easley said. “There were no laws broken. It wasn’t scandalous. There was no sex tape. I didn’t do anything wrong. It just happened to be a contentious call right when everything was spiraling out of control.”
Easley previously spent his free time refereeing high school football and small college basketball, but said he has been blackballed since 2012 for crossing the union line.
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