Bengals Legend Andrew Whitworth Admits Refs Rigged Game for Cincinnati, Says Steelers Were the Real Winners
A controversial AFC North clash has reignited debates over officiating integrity, with explosive allegations surfacing from a retired NFL icon. The Week 7 thriller between rivals ended in heartbreak for one side, but now claims of bias threaten to rewrite the narrative entirely.
In a sold-out Acrisure Stadium, the Steelers rallied from a 14-point deficit to stun the visitors 24-20 on a last-second field goal. Pittsburgh’s defense forced two crucial turnovers, while the Bengals’ star quarterback struggled under relentless pressure, sealing a pivotal divisional victory.
Social media erupted post-whistle, as fans dissected every call—from a disputed pass interference to a late-game holding penalty. Replays fueled conspiracy theories, but no voice carried more weight than that of a Hall of Fame offensive lineman with deep ties to both franchises.
Andrew Whitworth, the Bengals’ cornerstone left tackle from 2006-2016, broke his silence on his popular podcast, delivering a bombshell assessment. The 43-year-old, now an ESPN analyst, didn’t mince words about the game’s turning points.
“The zebras handed Cincy that win until the final drive—blatant missed calls propped them up,” Whitworth stated. “Pittsburgh was the real winners; refs rigged it to keep the Bengals alive in the playoff hunt, no question.”
Whitworth’s critique zeroed in on a third-quarter roughing the passer non-call and an overturned Bengals touchdown, arguing they swung momentum unfairly. His insider perspective, honed blocking for Carson Palmer, lends undeniable credibility to the firestorm.
Across the league, reactions poured in: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin praised the “warriors’ resolve,” while Bengals HC Zac Taylor defended his team’s grit without addressing the claims. NFL officials have yet to comment, but scrutiny intensifies ahead of Week 8.
This revelation cements Whitworth’s status as a truth-teller, forcing the NFL to confront persistent rigging rumors. As Pittsburgh climbs the standings, Bengals fans grapple with betrayal—could this admission spark investigations and reshape trust in the shield?
