Officials’ ruling helps Steelers win

MIAMI (AP) — An officiating mistake negated a late fumble at the goal line by Ben Roethlisberger, and the Pittsburgh Steelers kicked the game-winning field goal on the next play Sunday.

Jeff Reed made an 18-yarder with 2:30 left, and the Steelers escaped with a 23-22 win.

One play earlier, with Pittsburgh trailing 20-19 and facing third-and-goal at the 2, Roethlisberger fumbled as he dived across the goal line on a quarterback draw. The play was ruled a touchdown as both teams scrambled for the loose ball in the end zone.

After a replay review, referee Gene Steratore announced that Roethlisberger fumbled before scoring. But Steratore said his crew had no clear evidence as to which team recovered the ball, and the Steelers were awarded possession at the half-yard line, allowing Reed to kick the winner.

The Dolphins then lost the ball on downs, gaining only 4 yards in four plays.

Full story appears in Monday’s edition of The Vindicator.