Late in the third quarter of the San Francisco 49ers' Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir found himself at the center of a controversial play. While the call didn't impact the final outcome, it sparked some frustration among the fanbase.
With five seconds remaining in the quarter, Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett launched a deep pass toward wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, with Lenoir tightly covering him. The pass fell incomplete, but to Lenoir's surprise, a flag was thrown.
Replays showed both players looking back toward the ball, with Polk appearing to grab more of Lenoir's jersey than the other way around. Many fans felt Polk should have been flagged for interference instead.
FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira commented that, given the contact from both sides, the officials should have let the play go.
The Patriots ended up scoring a field goal on the drive.
After the game, Lenoir addressed the media in the locker room, discussing the penalty. When asked if Polk had grabbed his jersey, Lenoir replied, "He did. He had my jersey, and I was actually trying to play the ball. I felt like I was looking back (which he was). I felt like I didn't restrict him at all, so I don't know why it was called."
Lenoir then humorously glanced at the 49ers' PR staff and asked if he could share what the official had told him on the field. After the staff advised him not to, Lenoir smiled and said, "All right. He ain't say nothing."
Despite the questionable call, the 49ers dominated the Patriots, winning 30-13 and improving their record to 2-2.
