Super Bowl XLVII: Cary Williams Shoves Ref, Not Fined

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Head linesman Steve Stelljes (22) holds back Baltimore Ravens cornerback Cary Williams (29) during a scuffle against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Considering that you can’t even touch an official these days, it is puzzling how Baltimore Ravens cornerback Cary Williams was not fined for blatantly shoving a referee during the Super Bowl.

Williams pushed linesman Steve Stelljes in the midst of a scrum, when players were pushing and shoving at each other.

“It was a situation where I didn’t see who the heck I pushed. Those guys kicked my helmet off, took my helmet off man, it’s just a part of the process. Whatever,” Williams said in defense. “It’s a reaction. You see teammates out there getting hit late, guys pulling guys after the whistle. My helmet came off, I couldn’t barely see, and I just reacted. It is what it is.”

Other culprits who avoided fines, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN:

• Jim Harbaugh, who criticized the referees on the holding penalty that wasn’t called during the final drive of the game
• Joe Staley and Corey Graham for fighting
• Jimmy Smith for his helmet-to-chin hit on Michael Crabtree
• Frank Gore for wearing his socks too low (not a joke)