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Ex-officiating heads agree Von Miller didn't deserve flag for fake handshake

John Leyba / Denver Post / Getty

Denver Broncos star pass rusher Von Miller thought faking a handshake with Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor was funny for a second on Sunday - until he received a costly unsportsmanlike penalty that extended Buffalo's drive.

However, both of the NFL's most recent heads of officiating agreed it should have been a humorous moment and nothing more.

Mike Pereira and Dean Blandino both told Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith that Miller's 15-yard penalty was a bit of a panic move.

"To me it was an overreaction, unless there was something that was said," Pereira said. "It’s just not a foul."

"I have to agree," Blandino added. "If something is said at an opponent, that's one thing. It didn't appear on the video ... I think it's an overreaction."

Miller said he regretted tricking Taylor with the handshake fakeout, and that it was meant in good fun.

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