Referee Clay Martin made a gaffe while announcing a ruling in Sunday's Bills vs. Texans game. CBS' Ian Eagle had Martin's back. Photo Credit: CBS Photo Credit: CBS
CBSNFLBy Michael Dixon on

As a veteran announcer, Ian Eagle is prepared to give background information on prominent figures in a game he’s calling. Most of the time that means players and coaches. But as we found out during Sunday’s Week 5 game between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans, Eagle also has information about the officials ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Late in the first quarter, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen scrambled for a first down. The play created some confusion, as Allen lost control of the ball on his way to the sideline. As the ball went out of bounds, there was no potential change of possession with the potential fumble. But where Allen went out of bounds would determine whether he picked up the first down.

While referee Clay Martin soon cleared that matter up, he did so while seemingly forgetting what sport he was officiating.

“The runner was out of bounds before he fumbled the basketball,” Martin said.

Eagle responded by telling the viewers about Martin’s life away from football, which offered some clarity on the mistake.

“It’s almost basketball season. And I will say for Clay Martin, he’s been a longtime basketball coach at Jenks High School in Oklahoma. He’s now the AD there,” Eagle said.

“So, we’re gonna give him a mulligan,” Eagle added.

Eagle did revisit the mistake just before Martin announced a taunting penalty against Houston in the second half.

“Reading lips, Clay Martin just said ‘We’re gonna go back 15 yards.’ Let’s see if that’s what he actually said,” Eagle said. “Or they’re gonna check if it’s a two or a three.”

As long as Martin doesn’t start calling ballcarriers for traveling, we should be OK.

[Photo Credit: CBS]

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