NFL plans review of headset issues
The NFL will review the problems involving the Steelers’ headset communications from Thursday night’s game against the host Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
The Steelers’ coaches were unable to communicate with one another through most of the first quarter of the game, which the Patriots won, 28-21. Instead of being able to speak to one another, the Steelers were listening to the Patriots’ radio broadcast of the game. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin complained about the problem after the game, and suggested this issue was nothing new at Patriots home games.
“That’s always the case,” he said.
When asked to clarify whether he meant Gillette Stadium, Tomlin replied, “Yes.”
NFL spokesman Michael Signora said on Friday morning that the league will look into the matter, although Signora suggested headset communication problems are not limited to the Patriots, and that the league routinely reviews such matters.
“Technological and stadium infrastructure issues of this type happen at many stadiums around the league,” Signora said. “Whenever there are issues of this nature, we do a thorough review.”
Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said the team will not file a complaint against the Patriots over the headset incident.
“We have provided information to NFL representatives regarding issues that occurred Thursday night at Gillette Stadium with our coach-to-coach headset communications system,” Lauten said. “The problem was addressed during the game and we did not have further problems in the second half.”
