The NFL appears to have another problem on its hands, one that if not corrected, could put the league in a vicarious position.

After an interesting Super Bowl XLVII between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers on Sunday — a blowout, a blackout, another blowout and a late holding that wasn’t called — one person with reason to celebrate was Ravens cornerback Cary Williams.

Yes, he was a key part of Baltimore’s 34-31 victory, revelling in the confetti, the postgame interviews and the spoils that go with winning. But should he have even been a part of the game?

After an Ed Reed interception, a brawl ensued which offsetting penalties were called on San Francisco offensive tackle Joe Staley and Ravens cornerback Corey Graham.

Lost in the penalties was the fact Williams blatantly shoved an official, who had the audacity to try and get the ball and was standing face-to-face with him.

Williams was getting out of a crouched position, sprang up, had the official in front on him and proceeded with a two-handed push.

Apparently, the officials conferred and thought no flag was necessary, even though Williams continued to act like a player out of control.

The rule states that you cannot make contact with an official although an official can deem in it was inadvertent.

To come in contact with an official is cause for ejection.

This clearly was not a matter of intent. There was no mistaking an official in a black and white striped shirt and the red uniform of a 49ers player.

I can imagine the league might want to issue a fine on Monday or Tuesday, just to make a minor statement, but the idea that Williams should not have been tossed because it’s the Super Bowl is ludicrous.

On the NFL’s grandest stage, the message sent is you can break any rule, particular toward its officials, and not be thrown out. What else can players do and not be ejected?

The league needs to set parameters, especially, in the postseason, that any rule that deals with ejection will be strictly enforced.

I don’t want to hear, “Oh, it’s the Super Bowl, you can’t throw somebody out.”

Yes you can.

The officials may have sidestepped it, and copped out with offsetting penalties, but the league cannot allow it.

Remember, not too long ago when the NFL referees went on strike, then were brought back when the replacement product was worse?

When the officials returned, they returned to more respect and an understanding they do a difficult job.

Being pushed around in the Super Bowl sends a wrong message. How quickly the players have forgotten.

The league needs to let it be known they won’t forget again.

Sam Tallarico is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.