NEW YORK — The fallout continues over NFL referee Ed Hochuli's game-deciding mistake in Denver last Sunday.

Mike Pereira, the NFL's supervisor of officials, said on his NFL Network show Wednesday night that he has talked several times to Hochuli and the referee remains devastated. And the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Hochuli, an official for 19 seasons and a referee for 17, had e-mailed fans in San Diego and told them, "I failed miserably."

The call came in the final minute with Denver having a second down at the San Diego 1 and the Chargers leading 38-31. Denver quarterback Jay Cutler dropped back to pass, the ball slipped from his hand and a San Diego player recovered. But Hochuli, who has refereed two Super Bowls and is the league's most visible official, ruled it an incomplete pass.

Instant replay showed the call should have been a fumble, but Denver retained the ball at the 10 because under the rules, the ball could not go to San Diego because the whistle had blown when the play was ruled a pass.

Hochuli told Chargers coach Norv Turner he made the wrong call. Then the Broncos went on to score, converted a 2-point conversion, and won 39-38.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said yesterday he expected the league's competition committee would review the rule that possession could not change because the whistle blew during the offseason, as it has in the past.

"We all understand the frustration of the fans, in this case, the Chargers fans," Goodell told The Associated Press. "Mistakes are a part of our game. We do everything we can to avoid them, but Ed's a fantastic official, and he'll continue to be a great official."

LIONS

LB DIZON SENTENCED TO COMMUNITY SERVICE

Detroit Lions rookie linebacker Jordon Dizon has been sentenced to 24 hours of community service for driving while ability impaired.

His lawyer, Peter Schaffer, pleaded guilty to the charge on Dizon's behalf yesterday in Boulder, Colo. Dizon, a former Waimea High alum from Kaua'i and Colorado star who didn't attend the hearing, also must pay $895 in fines and court costs. He will be allowed to complete his sentence out of state.

Dizon originally faced charges of driving under the influence, driving the wrong way on a one-way street and failing to provide proof of insurance after his arrest April 20.

BEARS

SEVERITY OF HESTER'S RIB INJURY STILL A MYSTERY

Devin Hester's status remained a mystery and so did the extent of his rib injury.

After telling a few reporters earlier yesterday he had torn cartilage, the Chicago Bears' record-setting return specialist backtracked and said his ribs are bruised. Either way, he hopes to play against Tampa Bay on Sunday.

He remains a game-time decision after missing his second straight practice yesterday, but he seemed relieved that tests earlier in the week did not reveal a more serious problem.

SHORT SNAPS

Billionaire businessman Stanley Druckenmiller, saying it has become clear to him that the Rooney family needs more time to consider its options about the future ownership of the team, is withdrawing his offer to buy a majority stake of the Pittsburgh Steelers. ... Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson, the NFL's leading rusher, missed practice yesterday with a hamstring injury, but said he is hopeful he can play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. ... Running back LaDainian Tomlinson yesterday missed his second straight day of practice because of a jammed right big toe, and could still out today as well as the San Diego Chargers prepare for Monday night's home game against the New York Jets.