Kayvon Thibodeaux calls ‘bulls-t’ the controversial Tush Push referee

PHILADELPHIA – The refs called it a “step forward,” but the Giants called it something more profane.

“This is just bullshit, man,” Kayvon Thibodeau said.

With the score of Sunday’s game against the Eagles tied early in the second quarter, Jalen Hurts attempted a Tush Push on fourth-and-inches.

He passed the first down marker, but Thibodeau snatched the ball out of Hurts’ hands.

“Referees have a difficult job because they don’t know when to stop it,” Thibodeau said. “It’s difficult for the defense because you stop the first attack, and the referee doesn’t blow the final whistle. You go out and take the ball, and now suddenly it’s going forward.”

Thibodeau said officials told him a forward drive was ruled out before Hurts extended the ball.

“It sounds like some bullshit to me, and that’s the tough part about the situation,” Thibodeau said before teammate Brian Burns reminded him of the fine that might come his way. “Sorry. I mean, that was a great call from the referee.” “

Giants coach Brian Daboll attempted the challenge but was told the forward was not reviewable. He wouldn’t take no for an answer, rather he challenged the location of the ball – hoping to get a turnover on downs – and lost.

“I’ll just say our guys upstairs were very adamant about challenging the play,” Daboll said. “I have a lot of trust and faith in them, and it didn’t work out. But I won’t go into any details.”

The Tush Push is the most controversial play in the NFL. The Giants were one of 22 teams to vote to ban him (24 teams were needed) heading into the offseason.

“I won’t be fined,” Burns said. “It’s tough. Two weeks ago, they let them push the pile (against us). Now, we stopped the rush, and they blew the whistle quickly. Thibs made a one-on-one play by taking the ball out. I really feel like that should have been a turnover. Weird decision.”