Yesterday, the Arena Football League released a statement supporting the decision of referee Bill Athan, who - due to inconclusive replay evidence - upheld the touchdown of Soul receiver Larry Brackins after his end zone dive off of a 28-yard catch-and-run play in the final seconds of regulation.

In addition, yesterday's ruling also agreed that the timing on the play was handled properly and that the Soul should have attempted to earn the customary extra points after the TD.

Most importantly, due to the hoopla surrounding the call, the league will be enforcing new procedures regarding game administration exclusively for the playoffs.

The decisions were made after a review of the league's new instant replay system, which was implemented for the playoffs.

While sources close to the Soul believed that New York sought justice by the league in a possible appeal of the ruling, yesterday's statement makes it clear that no such protest was filed by Dragons officials.

- Kerith Gabriel