NFL Suspends Referee Ron Torbert After Missed Illegal Formation Calls in Cowboys-Packers Tie
Arlington, TX – September 30, 2025
The NFL has suspended veteran referee Ron Torbert and his crew for one week after failing to penalize repeated illegal formations by the Green Bay Packers during Sunday night’s 40-40 tie with the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas and Green Bay battled through four quarters and overtime in what became the second-highest scoring tie in NFL history. Dak Prescott led a field goal drive in OT, only for Jordan Love to answer late.
With the Packers facing 3rd-and-14 at the Dallas 16-yard line, confusion reigned. Green Bay appeared to line up illegally, yet no flags were thrown. The snap set up a 48-yard, game-tying field goal with one second left.
Jordan Love chucks the ball in the endzone and the Packers and Cowboys tied 🔥
One of the best games I think I’ve ever watched, second highest tied scoring game of all time.pic.twitter.com/jhzvG7EQCM — SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 29, 2025
Video reviews showed left tackle Rasheed Walker and left guard Elgton Jenkins off the line of scrimmage. Under NFL rules, such violations should have triggered a 10-second runoff, ending the game in Dallas’ favor.
Fans erupted online. One wrote: “Packers got away with an illegal formation which should’ve been a penalty requiring a runoff.” Another added: “I guess it’s never getting called in that situation, but sure looked illegal.”
Former coach Rex Ryan was blunt on ESPN’s Get Up: “They’re not even lined up right… the Packers never looked ready for the moment.” He said officials “let things slide” in the chaotic overtime sequence.
On Monday, the NFL confirmed Torbert’s suspension for an “internal officiating review.” The league also fined the Packers $50,000 for formation violations, underscoring its stance on consistency after weeks of mounting officiating controversies.
The tie leaves Green Bay 2-1-1 and Dallas 1-2-1. The Cowboys now shift focus to the Vikings in Week 4 under referee Carl Cheffers, hoping to avoid more officiating drama as playoff hopes remain fragile.
Bills Release 2024 Draft Pick CB After Public Complaints Spark Locker Room Drama in Week 1 Preparation Practices
The Buffalo Bills have made another surprising roster decision just days before the season opener, moving on from a young defensive back who had initially survived roster cuts and was expected to stick on the practice squad.
With Week 1 preparation practices underway, Buffalo’s focus has been on stabilizing its roster amid a wave of injuries in the secondary. Instead, an off-field distraction suddenly shifted attention away from football and toward locker room dynamics.
According to team insiders, the move was accelerated by social media activity. A rookie publicly voiced frustrations over his lack of opportunities, and the complaints quickly spread, fueling debates among fans and reporters.
That rookie was cornerback Daequan Hardy, a 2024 draft pick who had been projected as a potential return specialist. Hardy’s posts reportedly irritated veterans and created tension in the locker room during critical Week 1 preparations.
Head coach Sean McDermott, who prioritizes discipline and accountability, was said to be unhappy with the timing of Hardy’s remarks. Though the team never officially confirmed, sources suggested the drama played a key role in the release.
In Hardy’s place, Buffalo signed defensive end Andre Jones Jr. and cornerback Jalen Kimber to the practice squad. Kimber, an undrafted rookie, will now get the developmental chance once expected for Hardy heading into the new season.
The decision leaves Buffalo’s cornerback group even thinner. With rookie Maxwell Hairston already on injured reserve and veteran Tre’Davious White battling injury, the Bills are scrambling for reliable depth just days before facing Baltimore.
For Hardy, it’s a harsh lesson in NFL reality. Talent alone isn’t enough — and with his reputation now tied to public complaints, his next chance may depend on whether another team is willing to overlook the drama.
