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Lions, Dan Campbell File Complaint Over Officiating After Controversial Calls in Loss to Packers

 

 Posted September 8, 2025

Detroit’s 27-13 defeat to Green Bay in Week 1 was already a bitter pill to swallow. But what happened between the whistles may sting even more, as head coach Dan Campbell publicly accused officials of favoring the Packers and demanded the NFL review the game’s officiating.

Three moments in particular fueled the outrage.

1. The Brian Branch Pick-Six Wiped Away
Early in the third quarter, cornerback Brian Branch appeared to turn the tide with a 35-yard interception return touchdown that would have cut the deficit to 17-13. Instead, the play was erased by a defensive holding penalty on Rock Ya-Sin, flagged for grabbing Jayden Reed well away from the ball. The five-yard call gifted Green Bay a first down, and the Packers turned the drive into a field goal for a 20-6 lead. Fans immediately erupted online, calling it a “ticky-tack” penalty that “changed the whole game.”

2. No Flag on Jaire Alexander vs. Amon-Ra St. Brown
Down 20-6 in the fourth quarter, Jared Goff launched a deep shot to Amon-Ra St. Brown near the red zone. Replay showed Jaire Alexander tugging St. Brown’s arm, but no defensive pass interference flag came. Detroit settled for a field goal instead of a potential first-and-goal, narrowing only to 20-9. Supporters were incensed, pointing to past DPI controversies in Lions-Packers games. Analysts labeled it a “questionable no-call,” one that robbed Detroit of a needed touchdown opportunity.

3. Micah Parsons’ Sack Without a Facemask Call
Just before halftime, with the Lions trailing 10-3, newly-acquired Packer Micah Parsons sacked Jared Goff, forcing a fumble that Detroit recovered. Lions fans argued Parsons yanked Goff’s facemask, but no flag was thrown. One play later, Goff threw an interception to Evan Williams, killing a promising drive. While not as decisive as the earlier calls, the sequence added fuel to suspicions of bias toward Green Bay’s new defensive star.

After the game, Campbell didn’t hold back. He said the “integrity of the game” demanded accountability and insisted the NFL office take a closer look at how the calls — and non-calls — shaped the outcome.

For fans in Detroit, the controversy echoes a long history of painful moments against Green Bay, reviving memories of infamous officiating debates in years past. This time, Campbell is making sure the league hears it directly from him.

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.