“Some refs just can’t handle that!” Pat McAfee slams referees for giving a ‘harsh’ penalty to UTEP’s Buzz Flabiano over alleged unsportsmanlike conduct

Referees pull of a rare penalty flag during Miners vs Golden Panthers game.

“Some refs just can’t handle that!” Pat McAfee slams referees for giving a ‘harsh’ penalty to UTEP’s Buzz Flabiano over alleged unsportsmanlike conduct

Pat McAfee shows support to college kicker (Image via YouTube)

The game between the UTEP Miners and the FIU Golden Panthers was a fight between two teams looking to turn their season around and gather some confidence for the next string of games. Without wasting much time, the Miners jumped into a 24-14 lead, but their celebration was slowed down because of a yellow flag.

Only 1:03 minutes were left in the first half, and UTEP got a chance to kick a field goal. Spot kicker Buzz Flabiano stepped up and, without hesitating, placed the football in between the posts. However, the referee flagged him for unsportsmanlike conduct.

https://youtu.be/v5LRitR7XDo?si=QOSeNZQzeybCTFtY

Upon review, Buzz Flabiano was judged to have said a few words to Panthers No. 22, who flew to block the kick. It’s not exactly audible as to what was said, but to the officials, it was enough to throw a flag. The entire UTEP camp was left scratching their heads because of the judgment.

This incident became massive news as it’s very rare. Former Indianapolis Colts punter and now ESPN sportscaster Pat McAfee wrote, “Flabiano is a dawg… Some refs just can’t handle that,” on X to show support for the young UTEP kicker.

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The UTEP Miners won their second game of the season

Despite the early dominance of the Miners, the visitors mounted a small comeback in the second half. But the home team looked to have a chip on their shoulder to go and win the game. It came courtesy of another field goal late in the fourth quarter.

"Some refs just can't handle that!" Pat McAfee slams referees for giving a 'harsh' penalty to UTEP's Buzz Flabiano over alleged unsportsmanlike conduct
(Image via El Paso State Gazette)

UTEP were in dire need of a victory, losing five of their opening six games. The leading rusher, Deion Hankins, racked up 380 yards and one touchdown against the Golden Panthers. Kelly Akharaiyi was the team’s best receiver, with over 200 yards. Quarterback Cade McConnell had a stellar outing as well. He completed 11 of his 17 passes for 262 yards and threw two touchdowns.

For the defense, Maurice Westmoreland, Praise Amaewhule, and Kanious Vaughn had 2.5, 2, and 1 sacks on Panthers quarterback Keyone Jenkins.

FIU had two turnovers, which cost the team dearly. For UTEP, it was their first win in the state of Florida in school history. Not only that, they managed to stop their six-game losing streak to Division I-A opponents. This was only the sixth time the Miners had won 41 games on the road. Next, they will face the New Mexico State Aggies as college football enters the business part of the season.

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