Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has issued a statement addressing the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he was assessed during the final seconds of Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Shanahan was whistled for chiding a replacement official as the Redskins were attempting to drive for a tying touchdown in the 38-31 setback.
Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III spiked the ball with seven seconds remaining at the Bengals' 34-yard line, and Fred Davis was flagged for a false start as the offense lined up for the next play.
At least one official erroneously indicated that there would be a 10-second runoff because of the penalty, effectively running out the clock. Thinking the game was over, Cincinnati's players and coaches began walking onto the field.
That is when Shanahan approached the official.
"When I overheard the official tell the head coach that the game was over after the false start penalty, I tried to explain that the game was not over," Shanahan said in a statement. "That is what resulted in the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. I tried to get an explanation of how I could get that penalty when half the other team was on the field as well.
"I was frustrated, and in the process of trying to get some answers from the officials, I conducted myself in the wrong way.
"I ask our players to hold themselves to a high standard and be accountable and I know that I'm accountable for my actions as well.
"I know that I need to handle those situations better in the future. My emotions got the best of me and I know my responsibility. This will never happen again."
The game ended when Griffin's downfield pass fell incomplete.
Shanahan then proceeded to chase the official who threw the flag and continued to criticize him.
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