Detroit Loses 2-Point Conversion After Illegal Touching - NFL Rules and Referee Analysis

When NFL referee Brad Allen called Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker for an illegal touching penalty during a two-point conversion try late in the 4th quarter of a one-point game against Dallas, it effectively wiped Detroit's 21-20 lead off the board, turning it into a 20-19 eventual victory for the Cowboys. What happened here?

At the heart of this play is football's rule concerning receiver eligibility—in general, lineman and tackles (who generally wear uniform numbers between 50 and 79)—are ineligible to receive forward passes or run downfield to receive such a pass. Detroit's Decker wears #68 and is thus ineligible...that is unless he reports to the referee to declare himself eligible for a specific play.

Replays indicate Decker approaching referee Allen prior to the play, but so did two other Lions players, including offensive lineman Dan Skipper, who wears #70.

Pursuant to football officiating mechanics, Allen quickly ran to tell the defense and made a public address announcement, twice stating that #70 had reported as an eligible receiver for this play.

Detroit ran its play and #68 Decker caught quarterback Jared Goff's forward pass in the end-zone for an apparent successful two-point conversion...until Allen announced a penalty for illegal touching, reverting the score to Dallas 20, Detroit 19 (a subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed and Dallas won the game).

At the heart of the matter is the confusion and miscommunication that occurred when both #68 and 70 approached referee Allen, who dashed off to tell the defense and announce the eligible reporter, apparently reading "70" when Detroit meant "68"...except Detroit either didn't notice or otherwise didn't correct the referee when the public announcement over the PA sounded as "number 70 is eligible."

Lindsay's Call: I am not a football official but of the sports I do officiate, it would appear to me the primary culprit may have been a player stating "I am eligible" (or "I'm reporting" or some other variation) and the referee assuming that because #70 had reported eligible earlier in the game, #70 was reporting again.

To remedy this conflict, might I suggest white hats opt not to take the pronoun "I" as sufficient identification, especially when multiple players who may all declare eligibility approach the referee at roughly the same time? Instead, I would suggest the referee read back a number (or outright ask "What number?") in order to confirm the identity of the eligible player reporting.

That way—through stating the number of the player—this communication loophole can be closed.

Video as follows:

COVID Criminal? Texas Football Player Attacks Referee

Our series on abuse-of-officials continues in Texas, when Edinburg High School Football defensive end Emmanuel Duron became an alleged criminal after attacking a referee following his disqualification/ejection from Thursday's game, leading to police involvement.

After a late hit on the quarterback penalty and an additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, Edinburg High School senior and DE Emmanuel Duron appeared to forcefully shove referee Fred Garcia during Edinburgh's Thursday's playoff play-in game against Pharr-San Juan-Alamo following the white hat's penalty announcement.

Note: The technical officiating jargon here is disqualification, but for all intents and purposes (e.g., when comparing the action to something seen in professional baseball), the decision to remove the offending player from the game is on par with an ejection.

Following the alleged criminal act, local reporter Andrew McCulloch reported that a card had been brought on the field to assist the victim. Several minutes later, the referee stood up and walked off the field under his own power.

Law enforcement identifies Duron.

Although local reports indicated that police officers escorted Duron from the field, he was not handcuffed, no arrest was reported, the officers who escorted Duron from the stadium stated "No comment, we're not at liberty to talk about that," and after a delay, the game continued with Edinburg ultimately winning the contest, 35-21.

According to the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO)'s 2020 Legislative Scorecard, Texas is one of 22 states that have passed officiating assault and/or harassment laws, though Texas' law is not exclusive to officials and rather pertains to any person who participates in a sporting event (such as players).

It states that such intentional physical contact against someone who is a sports participant shall constitute a Class B misdemeanor; however, if the victimized referee is an elderly individual, the classification would increase to Class A.

In 2008, Euless Trinity High School player Eric Fieilo attacked an official in a similar manner—blindside hit during a playoff game, his last of senior year—and, as a result, was sent to an alternative school and lost scholarship offers. Fieilo, however, was not charged with a crime.

Does crime pay? After graduating from Sam Houston State, which opted to give Fieilo a football scholarship after all, Fieilo—having not been charged for his high school alleged assault—joined the Euless Police Department, which apparently had no issue with Fieilo's purported violent battery on a fellow citizen.

13% of officials have been assaulted.

After the potential purported criminal became a police officer, Fieilo had two human interest stories written about him: one by Dallas Morning News reporter Naheed Rajwani and a second by Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bill Hanna. Both articles portrayed Fieilo's story as redemption, with Rajwani deeming him a "revered cop" who recovered from "his most embarrassing moment" and Hanna writing of Fieilo's "horrible decision."

Neither Rajwani nor Hanna mentioned Fieilo's victim and in lieu of apologizing to the man he admittedly attacked, Fieilo instead praised God for giving him a second chance and called the incident and its aftermath a "blessing."

Unfortunately, the official Fieilo hit wasn't asked to comment on how much of a "blessing" it was to have been the victim of a purportedly injurious violent crime.

Assaults on officials have resulted in several deaths over the years, including 2013's death of Utah soccer referee Ricardo Portillo at the hands of an unnamed player who he had issued a yellow card to moments earlier. In 2014, referee John Bieniewicz died after ejected player Baseel Abdul-Amir Saad allegedly punched him in the head.

So if you're ever debating about the importance of pressing charges when attacked, remember the name Elikena "Eric" Fieilo, the player who allegedly assaulted an official and instead of being charged with a crime, became a police officer in the very same town.

Close Call of the Week: NFL Unsporting Contact Ejection

This edition of Close Call of the Week considers unsporting behavior on the part of players that results in inappropriate contact with an official. The rule referred to herein is NFL Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(g).

With 3:50 remaining in the 3rd quarter of the Rams-Seahawks game, Seahawks running back Robert Turbin ran for no gain, followed in short order by a confrontation between the teams, resulting in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree. While arguing the call, Rams defensive tackle Kendall Langford made contact with Back Judge Steve Freeman, resulting in an additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and disqualification. At the time of the ejection, the Seahawks were leading, 13-3. The Seahawks ultimately won the contest, 27-9.

Animated GIF: Langford's backswing hits Freeman; on second shove, Triplette throws the USC flag

12-3-1(g): "Unnecessary Physical Contact."

Replays indicate that during the course of argument with Line Judge Jeff Bergman and Referee Jeff Triplette, Langford swung his arm and (what appears to be) accidentally made contact with BJ Freeman's hat and face, followed seconds later by Langford (what appears to be) not accidentally pushing Freeman's outstretched left arm down. Unnecessary physical contact with an official => ejection. Ho-hum.

Nonetheless, this didn't deter Fox Sports' social media outlet from questioning the decision, fatuously determining that "an official's head got in the way of [Langford's] hand...Seems like a bit of an overreaction, right?"

Wrong. Especially considering Langford's actions in contacting the official a second time after the initial strike.

Rule 12-3-1(g) states unsportsmanlike conduct specifically includes "unnecessary physical contact with a game official." Note 1 states "under no condition is an official to allow a player to shove, push, or strike him in an offensive, disrespectful or unsportsmanlike manner."

An example of acceptable (e.g., not "unnecessary") physical contact includes incidental contact with the official during a live ball while attempting to complete a football play (run, pass, catch, etc.).

An example of unacceptable (e.g., "unnecessary") physical contact with a game official includes any contact—whether intentional/purposeful or inadvertent—that occurs during the course of argument or confrontation. This could include contact with a game official who might not be party to the initial argument, if this contact is unnecessary as in Rule 12-3-1(g). This most certainly includes conscious contact with this same game official for a second distinct time after an accidental wrist to the head.

Accordingly, Triplette's crew ejection of Langford was proper and the correct call according to a rule that all but requires officials disqualify a player who contacts an official in an unsportsmanlike manner.

NFL Ejections: Referee Carl Cheffers' Crew

Referee Carl Cheffers' crew ejected Vikings DB Chris Cook for unsportsmanlike conduct: contacting an official during the 3rd quarter of the Bears-Vikings game. With 5:15 remaining in the 3rd period, Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery caught a 46-yard pass from quarterback Josh McCown for a touchdown, evading defender Cook in the process. Replays indicate that after the play, Cook contacted side judge Laird Hayes in an unsporting manner, resulting in an automatic 15-yard USC penalty and disqualification, as prescribed by rule. At the time of the ejection, the Bears were leading, 12-7.

Wrap: Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings, 12/1/13
Video: Jeffery evades Cook for athletic touchdown / Cook grabs Hayes to argue after the play, is ejected

Close Call of the Week: Tomlin Steps Out (NFL)

Welcome to "Close Call of the Week," the CCS expansion of "Ask the UEFL" in which we analyze a significant play across the sports world and its resulting calls or no-calls. In this debut feature, we examine Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin's sideline adventure during an NFL kickoff play on Thanksgiving Day.

The Play: With 6:26 remaining in the 3rd quarter of Thursday's Steelers-Ravens game, Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham kicked off to the opposing goal line, where Ravens return man Jacoby Jones caught the fly and returned the ball past midfield and into Steelers territory. As Jones approached the 40-yard line, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin appeared to be straddling the sideline at the 38-yard line with his back to the play, sidestepping onto the thick white stripe of the sideline as Jones approached. Jones appeared to have slightly altered his route, changing trajectory from running parallel to the sideline to a thirty degree angle in, his body position changed from being directly even with the sideline to clear of the two-foot long sideline hash mark before being tackled at the 27-yard line.

Question: Did Tomlin commit an infraction of the rules and if so, what is the appropriate penalty?

Short Answer: Yes, Tomlin's actions violated NFL rules. At minimum, Tomlin should have been penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. The 15-yard penalty ("half the distance") would place the ball at the 13.5-yard line. At most, Tomlin could have been disqualified (ejected) for a flagrant or palpably unfair act and a touchdown awarded to Baltimore. Intent is not relevant in determining that Tomlin's positioning violated zone restrictions, though intent may be relevant in determining whether or not Tomlin's actions were flagrant or palpably unfair. Rules 1-1, 13-4, 13-5, AR 13.7, AR 13.8.

Explanation and References: NFL Football contains a series of restricting zones on both sidelines of the field, prescribing where chain crew, officials, coaches, situation substitution players, bench personnel and the media may—and may not—position themselves during play. When the ball becomes live, the six-foot "white stripe" of sideline closest to live ball territory is reserved for the chain crew and officials only, the next six feet between the 32-yard lines for coaches and situation substitution players only, followed by bench personnel further back and the media no closer than 36-feet (12-yards) removed from the field of play between both halves' 32-yard lines. Rules for marking or lining a field are codified in Rule 1-1 (The Field) while rules restricting team personnel to their respective zones are codified in Rules 13-4 and 13-5.

Because Tomlin clearly violated zone integrity, he should have been penalized, at minimum, 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct. Enforcement action 13-1(b) specifies the Referee (white hat) may, after consulting with crew, award the 15-yard penalty from "whatever spot...[he] deems equitable, if the ball was in play." If Tomlin's violation was considered flagrant, the Referee may have excluded or ejected him from the game.

Approved Ruling 13.7 and A.R. 13.8 specifically address the case of "coach in six-foot border." The NFL's official case book concludes that if the officials encounter a coach within the six-foot border (white stripe) and interference, impedance or any effect on play results, the officials "may enforce whatever penalty they think is equitable under the circumstances," including the negation or award of a score.

OFFICIATING ANALYSIS: This is an incorrect no-call (NCI). The proper call would have either been a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty ("half the distance") for infraction of Rule 13-1 or the award of a touchdown for this same violation; the difference between a Quality of Correctness of "correct" and "incorrect" for this call is whether or not the officials (1) recognized the foul and (2) enforced the penalty, which video evidence conclusively shows did occur. For the safety of participants involved (the (1) offending team personnel and (2) flank official whether side judge, field judge, head linesman or line judge), this penalty must be called.

Wrap: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (NFL Football), 11/28/13

Video: NBC's Cris Collinsworth questions Tomlin's thought process upon consultation of video instant replay

NFL Deletes Tuck Rule During Annual Meeting in Phoenix

While baseball's Cactus League has been playing Spring Training games throughout Arizona this March, the National Football League held it's annual meeting in Phoenix, AZ, resulting in several rule changes that will be incorporated for the 2013-2014 football season. The following proposals passed:

» (1) Modification of Rule 15-9, which governs illegal challenge requests for instant replay review. Previously: When a team illegally challenges a play, the team is penalized 15 yards and the play may not be reviewed, even if the booth would have otherwise automatically reviewed the play independent of the coach's challenge. Situation: Thanksgiving's Texans-Lions game, Detroit coach Jim Schwartz threw a challenge flag after a touchdown and lost his right to an automatic booth review that would have reversed the call; the Lions were also penalized 15 yards for an illegal challenge. Previously: 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, loss of ability to review play via instant replay. Now: Team will be charged a timeout. If out of timeouts, team will lose 15 yards via a USC penalty. In either scenario, if it otherwise would been subject to automatic video instant replay review the play will be reviewed.
» (2) Defense may no longer load one side of the field with more than six players during point-after and field goal attempts. Previously: Legal. Now: Such alignment now results in a five-yard penalty for illegal formation.
» (3) Elimination of Rule 8-1-1-Forward Pass-a, the "Tuck Rule." Previously: If, after intentionally moving his hand forward, if a player (generally a quarterback) loses possession of the football as he attempts to tuck it back into his body, it is a forward pass. Only if he loses possession after completing the tucking action is it a fumble. Now: Either scenario results in a fumble. Passed 29-1-2 (Pittsburgh Steelers dissenting; New England Patriots & Washington Redskins abstaining).
» (4) Fullbacks, H-backs, F-backs and tight ends permitted to wear jerseys in the 40-range.
» (5) Banishment of peel-back-blocks wherein an offensive player blocks a defender moving back toward his own end zone below the waist and from the back. Previously: Legal. Now: Peel-back-blocks illegal inside the tackle box and may result in a 15-yard penalty for unnecssary roughness
» (6) Plays may no longer lead with the crown of their helmet outside of the tackle box, a move that is meant to address player safety. Previously: Legal. Now: 15-yard penalty for initiating forcible contact by delivering a blow via the top of his helmet against an opponent when both players are clearly outside of the tackle box area. Allows for rulings of incidental (non-violative) contact. Passed 31-1 (Cincinnati Bengals dissenting).

News: 'Tuck Rule' eliminated by wide margin at NFL Annual Meeting (NFL)

NCAA Football Rules Committee Wants Targeting Ejections

College football is one step closer to approving an automatic ejection for the targeting of a defenseless player above the shoulders. The NCAA Rules Committee this week unanimously passed a proposal to increase targeting to 15-yard unnecessary roughness & auto-disqualification status. The Playing Rules Oversight Panel has final say and will meet on March 6 to vote on proposals such as that of targeting.

Rules chair and Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun explained that as student-athlete safety remains a primary concern, "taking measures to remove targeting, or above the shoulder hits on defenseless players, will improve our great sport."

Similar to the present penalty for fighting, a player charged with targeting a defenseless player (either offensive or defensive) in the first half of a game will be ejected for the remainder of the contest. A player charged with targeting during the second half, including overtime, will be ejected and suspended for the first half of the next game. Defenseless players are those in a defenseless posture, such as (but not limited to) those receivers attempting to catch a pass, airborne kick/punt returners, kickers or punters during a return who are not involved in a play and players on the ground at the end of a play.

The committee agreed to make the ejection reviewable via video instant replay, which would allow a replay official to rescind an ejection just as replay may currently be used to overturn a number of on-field rulings (e.g., catch vs. fumble, etc.). Accordingly, the standard of indisputable video evidence shall be required in order to reverse the ruling on the field (Rule 12-1-2).

The committee additionally recommended:

» Blocks below the waist, initiated from the front, are legal. Those initiated from the side/back are illegal.
» 10-sec runoff with less than 1:00 in half during any injury, absent valid reason to stop clock (e.g., a TD).
» Make 3-sec mandatory as minimum time on game clock in order to spike ball to stop clock.
» Authorize and require players who change numbers during game to inform referee who shall announce it.
» Limit duplicate numbers used by same team to players who play different, not same, positions.
» Require teams to have jersey or pants contrast in color to playing field (e.g., Boise's blue field).
» Allow officiating crews to use electronic communication devices (follows SEC experiment).
» Allow Big-12 to hire an eighth official who will position in the backfield opposite R (like the NFL's U).
» Allow instant replay to adjust the clock at the end of every quarter in addition to the end of each half.

News: Rules committee recommends ejection for targeting defenseless players (NCAA.com)

NFL Super Bowl and Championship Game Call Leniency

Championship and high-stakes deciding atmospheres in general such as overtimes or final possession situations routinely pose unique challenges to officiating with a very real argument existing in NFL football's one-game championship (Super Bowl) epitomizing such a pressure-packed environment. MLB's World Series, NBA and NHL's Stanley Cup Final are each distributed over a four-to-seven-game period, but the Super Bowl begins and ends on a single Sunday in early February. Television ratings associated with any of these single games attest to this phenomenon.

Accordingly, each call in such a highly conspicuous contest becomes susceptible to heightened scrutiny, which, in some instances, may possess the collateral effect of modifying officials' behavior, which may inevitably result in calls or a lack thereof that otherwise may not have existed.

Take Super Bowl XLVII's hyped fourth-quarter, fourth-and-goal play from the five-yard line with time running out. 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree and Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith made contact—whether incidental or illegal—as quarterback Colin Kaepernick's pass attempt fell out of the end zone untouched.

Options for head linesman Steve Stelljes and side judge Joe Larrew included:
Holding: With the line of scrimmage at the five-yard line and Kaepernick remaining in the pocket, contact between offensive and defensive player within the end zone was incontrovertibly beyond the five yards allotted by Rule 8-4-1. If illegal (e.g., if Smith was ruled to have impeded, redirected or restricted Crabtree), the foul would be defensive holding.
Pass Interference: If contact was ruled to have persisted as the ball was released on a pass attempt, Rule 8-5-2-c (grabbing an opponent's arm/restrict), Smith could have been flagged for DPI.
No Call: If contact beyond the five-yard zone pre-pass was ruled incidental (8-4-4) and contact during and after the pass attempt was ruled permissible (8-5-3), a no call would be correct.

Fight!
The 49ers and Ravens engaged in a post-interception tussle with 6:55 remaining in the second quarter of Superbowl XLVII. Though the large scrum produced multiple instances of conduct that could have been interpreted as disqualifying behavior, officials issued only two offsetting penalties, one against each team. In lieu of penalizing each player who participated in the small brawl, Referee Jerome Boger's crew instead charged 49ers OT Joe Staley and Ravens CB Corey Graham with 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalties.

Meanwhile, Ravens corner Cary Williams appeared to outright shove an official—an offense specifically prohibited by rule 12-3-1 with the preface, "Under no condition is an official to allow a player to..."—and was not penalized.

Prior to this, several instances of dead ball conduct between the clubs may have ordinarily produced unsportsmanlike conduct or roughing penalties in a non-postseason affair, but in this Super Bowl XLVII, resulted in nary a scolding from the nearest arbiter.

Indeed, no Super Bowl has experienced more penalties than Dallas-Denver in Super Bowl XII's 20 flags, a number equaled only by 2004's Super Bowl XXXVIII between the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots. By contrast, five Super Bowls have escaped with four or fewer penalties with Super Bowl X leading the way with just two (both Dallas, vs. Pittsburgh). 14 Super Bowls have seen teams commit no greater than two penalties.

The fewest penalties committed by one team over the course of a single season remains 19, produced by the 1937 Detroit Lions. In second place is 1935's Boston squad (21 penalties) followed by 1936's Philadelphia Eagles (24). Meanwhile, 22 penalties is the NFL's all-time single-game record for "most by one team." The number rises to 37 for both teams combined (1951, Bears-Browns).

No NFL game since Pittsburgh-Philadelphia in November of 1940 has escaped without a single flag.

Nonetheless, the Super Bowl is a special breed. Even if the Rules Book is airtight and leaves absolutely no discretion—for instance the Cary Williams incident—officials in such a pressure-packed situation will rarely, if ever, enforce the rule as written in regards to unsportsmanlike conduct or roughing and espcially in regards to an ejection. 15 yards in the Super Bowl can conceivably be the difference between a win and a loss.

In 2009, Pittsburgh's James Harrison came close to that fine line—had it been a regular season game, it could have been argued that he crossed that line and then some. At the time, commentator John Madden declared, "he should be thrown out for that." Harrison remained in the game to help his Steelers win a ring.

The League, its team owners, etc. simply do not want a player ejected from the championship game. Even in baseball, no player or coach has been ejected from a World Series game—and that's a best-of-seven series—since umpire Tim Welke tossed Braves skipper Bobby Cox in 1996. Cox, coincidentally, is the only person in baseball history to have been thrown out of two World Series (he was previously ejected in 1992).

Ejections simply do not generally occur during a Championship Series and absolutely do not exist during a winner-take-all championship game.

One Point Safety: Fiesta Bowl & Ballad of Ron Cherry

With 8:03 remaining in the third quarter of the Ducks-Wildcats Fiesta Bowl game, Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota ran for a two-yard touchdown to give Oregon a 31-10 lead. After lining up for the PAT, the Wildcats blocked Ducks kicker Alejandro Maldonado's extra point attempt, linebacker Ryan Mueller recovering the football at approximately the two-yard line, and retreating into the end zone before lateraling the ball to defensive back Allen Champan, who recovered the loose ball once again for a safety, worth one point and confirmed via instant replay review.

As referee Ron Cherry explained:

On the previous play, we have an unusual ruling. The ball was blocked, caught, carried back into the end zone and declared dead by the defense. That play results in a one-point safety.

Cherry has had the mic for other unique calls before, such as the collegiate "giving him the business" personal foul (a revival of NFL official Ben Dreith's "giving him the business down there" penalty) and a "graphics blocked" extra point review.

As for the Fiesta Bowl, the relevant rules are NCAA 8-1-1 and 8-3-2-d, which specify that a safety occuring during a try after touchdown is worth one point, as is a field goal during that stopped clock period. Furthermore, approved ruling (AR) 8-3-2-IX exemplifies a one-point safety, wherein the defense recovers at the two-yard line, fumbles into the end zone, recovers once again and is downed (one-point safety).

As broadcaster Brad Nessler explained, a similar play occurred during a 2004 Texas A&M vs. Texas game.

In NFHS high school, this would not be the case, as during a try, the ball shall become dead upon a turnover.

Wrap: Oregon Ducks vs. Kansas State Wildcats, 1/3/13
Video: Ducks benefit from one point safety after blocked kick attempt during Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (ESPN)

NFL Ejections: John Parry's Crew (1)

Referee John Parry's crew ejected New Orleans Saints Broderick Bunkley for a personal foul (unneccessary roughness) in the 4th quarter of the 49ers-Saints game. With 1:13 remaining in the 4th quarter, 49ers kicker David Akers' field goal attempt was blocked and recovered by Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins. After the play, Bunkley appeared to kick 49ers offensive tackle Alex Boone in the head, resulting in his immediate disqualification from the remainder of the game. At the time of the ejection, the 49ers were leading, 31-21. The 49ers ultimately won the contest, 31-21.

Wrap: San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints, 11/25/12
Video: Bunkley kicks his opponent, is summarily ejected for this flagrant act

NFL Ejections: Alberto Riveron's crew (1, 2, 3)

Referee Alberto Riveron's crew ejected Bengals offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth for instigating a fight/throwing a punch and Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and defensive end Lamarr Houston for leaving the sideline/bench area during the 4th quarter of the Raiders-Bengals game. With 7:16 remaining in the 4th quarter, Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith was called for a false start; however, as the ball had been snapped and both teams were engaged in play at the time of the whistle, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton—operating from the shotgun position—was tackled, an action which Whitworth took offense to, drawing a flag for unnecessary roughness and resulting in a fight. At the time of the ejections, the Bengals were leading, 27-10. The Bengals ultimately won the contest, 34-10.

Immediately prior to the false start, a pass from Dalton to wide receiver Mohamed Sanu was completed and a fumble was forced by Raiders cornerback Joselio Hanson. However, an inadvertent whistle prematurely killed the play while the ball was loose in bounds and prior to the Raiders' ensuing recovery and return for a touchdown. Pursuant to NFL Rule 7-2-n, "when an official sounds his whistle erroneously ... the ball becomes dead immediately." Accordingly, Riveron offered the team last in possession (Bengals) the opportunity to replay the down or to put the ball in play where it had been declared dead via the inadvertent whistle, either option negating the apparent Oakland score. Cincinnati elected to replay the down, subsequently resulting in the aforementioned false start sequence.

Wrap: Oakland Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals, 11/25/12
Video: As officials whistle a false start penalty, Andy Dalton is tackled and a bedlam of a brawl ensues

NFL Instant Replay: Teams Must Know When to Challenge

With 6:50 remaining in the 3rd quarter of Thanksgiving's Texans-Lions game, Texans running back Justin Forsett received a handoff at the Texans' 14-yard line and appeared to have been downed by contact at the 26-yard line. Instead, officials kept the play alive and Forsett ran—largely uncontested—downfield and scored Houston's third touchdown of the game. Replays indicate Forsett's left knee had contacted the ground concurrent with contact by Lions free safety Louis Delmas. After the touchdown was scored and prior to the expected booth-initiated instant replay review, Lions coach Jim Schwartz threw his challenge flag, effectively eliminating the booth review that could have reversed the call of touchdown.

NFL Rule 15-9 states that a coach/team is permitted a challenge except for plays when, among other circumstances, the on-field ruling results in a score for either team. The reason for this is because the booth's replay official is given the responsibility of initiating instant replay review for all scoring plays. This clear delineation of responsibility (coach vs. replay official) is meant to answer the question "is a team responsible or liable to lose a timeout/challenge if after review of a scoring play, the call is NOT overturned?" by simply taking away the team's ability to challenge such a call. If the team doesn't or cannot challenge, it's not liable.

Accordingly, Schwartz was prohibited from challenging the aforementioned play and his initiating a challenge in this situation ran in contrast with the Rules, the penalty for which is a loss of 15 yards.

Rule 15-9 also specifies that the booth replay official cannot initiate a review of a ruling against a team that commits a foul that delays the next snap. The purpose of this penalty is to disallow the booth from rewarding a team with a replay if a team deliberately wastes time in an effort to give the replay official more time to "think it over." A dead ball 15-yard penalty is, by rule, a foul that delays the next snap; therefore, the booth was prohibited from initiating the instant replay review process after Schwartz's illegal action.

This illegal throwing of the challenge flag therefore effectively prevented the call from being overturned by eliminating the booth's ability to initiate an instant replay review of the play and resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for this violation. The Texans ultimately won the contest in OT, 34-31.

Quality of Correctness, Original Play: Incorrect.
Quality of Correctness, Penalty & Prohibition of Instant Replay Review: Correct.

Officials: Referee Walt Coleman, Umpire Roy Ellison, Head Linesman Jerry Bergman, Line Judge Michael Spanier, Side Judge Rick Patterson, Field Judge Greg Gautreaux, Back Judge Greg Yette, Replay Official Bill Spikesma.

Wrap: Houston Texans at Detroit Lions (Thanksgiving Game), 11/22/12
Video: Forsett's controversial 81-yard run in which the ability to employ instant replay review was eliminated

PIT-NYG Forward Fumble: Defining the Recock

Referee Bill Leavy recently upheld a fumble call after consulting instant replay during the Steelers-Giants game. With 5:26 remaining in the 2nd quarter, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attempted to pass from the Giants' 38-yard line as Giants defensive end Ositadimma "Osi" Umenyiora placed his hand and contacted Roethlisberger's throwing arm. After subsequent movement, the ball became loose and advanced to the Giants' 30-yard line, where it was recovered and returned for a touchdown by linebacker Michael Boley. After the ruling on the field, the Replay Official requested a review pursuant to NFL Rule 18-9 (Instant Replay, requiring that all scoring plays...fumbles must be reviewed). This rule requires the presence of "indisputable visual evidence" prior to reversing a decision. Most penalties, such as the uncalled infraction of clipping, are not reviewable.

During his review, Referee Leavy considered whether such evidence existed to justify reversing the ruling on the field of fumble. Rule 8-1-1-a specifies it is a forward pass if "the ball initially moves forward" or "if the passer is attempting to throw a forward pass, but contact by an opponent materially affects him, causing the ball to go backward, it is a forward pass." By this criteria alone, Leavy had ample evidence with which to overturn the ruling on the field of fumble.

However, Rule 8-1-1-c—the "recock rule"—arrested this reversal momentum. This provision specifies that if a "passer loses possession of the ball while attempting to recock his arm, it is a fumble."

Rule 3-2-7-1 (definitions) specifies that for a player to possess the ball, he is required to have "firm grip & control" of the football. Because "recock" is not defined in the NFL Rules Book, its ordinary definition is considered: "To lift; to be prepared to be triggered; to turn or twist upward or to one side."

Under the auspices of the recock rule, it appeared that after receiving contact, Roethlisberger's arm may have been lifted, turned or twisted upward or to one side in preperation of a pass. Furthermore, it is apparent that after contact, Roethlisberger may not have maintained firm grip & control of the football throughout the process of his pass attempt—including his recock.

Therefore, Rule 18-9's requirement of "indisputable visual evidence" was not satisfied, resulting in Leavy's ruling that the play on the field should stand, as opposed to a reversal (indisputable visual evidence to suggest the call was incorrect) or a confirmation (indisputable evidence to suggest the call was correct).

At the time of the upheld review, the Giants were leading, 13-10.

Wrap: Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants, 11/4/12
Video: Roethlisberger sacked and fumbles, a call which stands after instant replay review

Zero: Offensive, Defensive Pass Interference on Same Play

Pass interference (PI) is illegal contact beyond the neutral zone that occurs after a legal forward pass is thrown (DPI), but before it has been touched by any player or an official (e.g., the umpire). During most plays, PI is committed by either the offense or the defense. During the following play, it was effected by both.

With 6:12 remaining in the third quarter and a 1st-and-10 at the TCU 26-yard line, TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Trevone Boykin attempted a pass intended for receiver Josh Boyce. While the ball was in the air, Boyce and West Virginia Mountaineers CB Pat Miller jockeyed for position, both players interfering with the other's attempt to field the football. Replays indicate both players appeared to grab the other's jersey and in doing so, Boyce was ruled to have failed to avoid his opponent and came into contact that interfered with the eligible defender (offensive PI) while Miller impeded an eligible receiver, preventing an opportunity of receiving a catchable forward pass (defensive PI), superceding the "bona fide attempt to reach, catch or bat the pass" exemption to pass interference as defined by Rules 7-3-8-b-2 (OPI) and 7-3-8-c-2 (DPI).

Because live-ball fouls by both teams were reported to Referee Scott Novak, the fouls offset and the down was repeated (Rule 10-1-4). At the time of the "no play," WVU was leading, 24-21. TCU ultimately won the contest, 39-38, on a two-point conversion in the second overtime period.

U: Kevin Matthews, H: Doug Moore, L: Frank LeBlanc, B: Lyndon Nixon, F: Nick Lave, S: Shane Standley.

Wrap: Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs vs. West Virginia Mountaineers, 11/3/12
Video: OPI & DPI, dual actions by opponents result in offsetting penalties, repeat from scrimmage (Soon)

NFL Ejection: Pete Morelli's Crew

As reported by the @SportEjections twitter account, Referee Pete Morelli's crew ejected Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall for multiple unsportsmanlike conduct fouls that occurred during the same play with 3:43 remaining in the 4th quarter of the Redskins-Steelers game. During a 0-yard run by Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer, Hall engaged Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. After the play, Hall removed his helmet to argue with Head Linesman Dana McKenzie, drawing an obligatory unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. As Hall continued to address McKenzie, he made a pointing gesture and drew a second flag for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejection from Side Judge Don Carlsen. At the time of the ejection, the Steelers were leading, 27-12. The Steelers ultimately won the contest, 27-12.

Wrap: Washington Redskins vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 10/28/12
Video: Hall snaps off helmet, drawing flag, and continues argument with official, drawing second penalty

College Football Ejections: Jack Wood's crew

Referee Jack Wood's crew (Pac-12 Conference) ejected Southern California (USC) Trojans defensive tackle Leonard Williams for personal foul: unnecessary roughness during the second quarter of the Buffaloes-Trojans game. During a 4th-and-1 successful conversion by Colorado's Christian Powell, Williams was penalized and ejected after he appeared to punch an opponent's face mask while on the ground. At the time of the ejection, the Trojans were leading, 33-6. The Trojans ultimately won the contest, 50-6.

Officials: Jack Wood (Referee), Tim Schroeder (Umpire), Mark Duddy (Head Linesman), Jeff Robinson (Line Judge), Steve Steichen (Back Judge), John Morton (Field Judge), Shane Anderson (Side Judge).

Wrap: Colorado Buffaloes vs. Southern California (USC) Trojans, 10/20/12
Video: USC's Williams ejected after appearing to throw a punch at Colorado player (N/A)

College Football Ejection: Dan Capron's Crew

Referee Dan Capron's crew (Big Ten Conference) ejected Illinois Fighting Illini safety Earnest Thomas III for helmet-to-helmet contact during a Penn State touchdown in the second quarter of the Illini-Nittany Lions game. With 3:11 remaining, Matt Lehman received a 21-yard pass attempt from QB Matt McGloin for a touchdown as Thomas delivered the illegal hit, resulting in a personal foul/unnecessary roughness penalty, enforced on the ensuing kickoff. Replays indicate Thomas delivered the illegal helmet-to-helmet contact after Lehman had already scored the touchdown and was several feet into the end zone, the call was correct. The flag appeared to have been thrown by back judge Jack Lyman. At the time of the ejection, the Nittany Lions were leading, 21-0.

*When not officiating, Capron is an attorney and name partner at the law firm Capron & Avgerinos, P.C., located in Illinois. He received his JD from Indiana's Bloomington School of Law and his BA in history from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign).

Wrap: Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Illinois Fighting Illini, 9/29/12
Video: McGloin holds on for TD as Thomas launches an illegal hit to the head, is ejected (ESPN)

NFL, Referees End Lockout, Reach Deal in Time for Week 4

The NFL and the National Football Referees Association reached a deal Wednesday to end the summer-long lockout during which professional officials were replaced by those from the sub-Division I college ranks or other similar leagues.

The Deal: Valid through the 2019 season, current officials will be grandfathered into the current benefit pension plan through 2016 or until the official reaches 20 years of NFL service, at which point the plan will freeze.

New Retirement Plan: For all new hires and begining in 2017 for those grandfathered in, the league will contribute an average of $18,000 annually per official ($23,000 in 2019) and will partially match any additional the official makes to his 401(k) account.

Compensation: Officials will earn an average of $173,000 per year beginning in 2013, reaching $205,000 by 2019. By comparison, in 2011, officials earned an average of $149,000 annually.

Employment Status: Beginning in 2013, the NFL will have the option to hire a portion of NFLRA officials on a full-time basis. These full-timers may be called upon to execute duties other than on-field obligations.

Growing the Pool: The NFL may also retain additional officials for training and development purposes.

Referee Ed Hochuli, speaking with NFL.com, explained he had put together 18 extensive rules tests, video sessions and conference calls with other NFLRA officials during the lockout period so the professionals would be ready to hit the ground running upon the lifting of the lockout: "As soon as I heard the rumors, I got down on the floor and started doing pushups," said Hochuli.

Neither side stated whether a series of high-profile controversial calls, such as Monday Night Football's Seahawks-Packers End-of-Game sequence, played a role in finalizing the deal at this time.

polls & surveys

News: NFL, NFLRA reach eight-year agreement

NFL: Seahawks-Packers End-of-Game Play Making Rounds

Down a score, NFL's Seattle Seahawks defeated the Green Bay Packers 14-12 thanks to a successful Hail Mary play at the end of regulation during Monday Night Football... or was it?

The New York Post portrays its opinion

From newspaper headlines to ESPN and FOX Sports talk shows, Twitter, Facebook and even MLB.com's new 140 Club, the replacement officials making the call(s) in the end zone found themselves as football culture's newest poster children for settling the NFLRA's labor dispute with the League.

The Play: As time expired, Seattle QB Russell Wilson threw a deep 24-yard pass to WR Golden Tate, who jockeyed with Green Bay safety M.D. Jennings for position in the air. As the two players fell to the ground, side judge Lance Easley signaled a touchdown as back judge Derrick Rhone-Dunn siglaned to stop the clock. After a brief discussion, referee Wayne Elliott ruled "touchdown," while the replay official Howard Slavin affirmed the call on the field.

The Rule: Rule 8-1-3 of the NFL Rule Book is the relevant citation:

If a pass is caught simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers. It is not a simultaneous catch if a player gains control first and an opponent subsequently gains joint control. 

Mechanics Analysis: Non-withstanding the play itself, the first component of analysis regarding this play pertains to the mechanics employed by Easley and Rhone-Dunn. As explained by former NFL referee Jim Tunney, both officials were further away from the play, initially, than is generally preached.

Second, of course, is the perception that two different calls were made by the officials. Technically, this is correct. Easley called "touchdown," while Rhone-Dunn called "timeout." Contrary to popular fan belief, an interception in the end zone is not signaled by simply stopping the clock. Because this interception would have resulted in a touchback, the proper mechanic would have been that of a touchback, wherein one arm is waved above the head, or "half" of the timeout signal). Because Rhone-Dunn signaled "timeout" so as to stop the game clock (apparently unaware that time had already expired, effectively making this mechanic unecessary), it is apparent Rhone-Dunn desired further investigation of the play before rendering a verdict whereas Easley, from his angle, found sufficient evidence of a simultaneous catch with which to call a Rule 8-1-3 touchdown. At no point, however, did either official signal an interception.

The Call: Because the officials were further away from the play than is prescribed, one may conclude that their angle with which to see this play was wider, so that the officials may have seen more action surrounding the final scrum. Unfortunately, in real time, neither official saw the offensive pass interference that preceded the final jump (Tate shoving Packers CB Sam Shields), a common uncalled penalty—even amongst "regular" officials—during Hail Mary plays. This penalty, had it been called, would have ended the game.

Nonetheless, video evidence suggests Jennings (Packers) attempted to catch the ball first while still in the air; however, he was airborne as he attempted to gain possession and as he fell to the ground, video evidence is ultimately inconclusive as to whether Tate (Seattle) gained simultaneous possession prior to Jennings gaining sole control of the football; upon instant replay review, the call on the filed was upheld, not confirmed.

Three elements are required of a catch (8-1-3): (1) The player must secure control of the ball before the ball touches the ground; (2) The player must touch the ground inbounds (with both feet or non-hand parts of the body); (3) The player must maintain control of the ball long enough to complete a game-action, such as a pitch, pass, advancement, juke, etc.

When a player goes to the ground with a football, he furthermore must maintain control throughout the process of contacting the ground (e.g., until his momentum-inspired movement has ceased) (8-1-3-1).

1st Female Official in NFL History Debuts as Line Judge

Official Shannon Eastin made NFL history as the first woman to ever officiate a sanctioned League contest, thanks in part to a storied collegiate career and to the ongoing labor dispute that has kept NFL referee favorites Ed Hochuli, Terry McAulay and other regulars shut out as football begins its pre-season schedule.

LJ Shannon Eastin is the first female official in NFL history

Shannon Eastin, who has served for four years as a Football Championship Subdivision (Division 1-AA) official in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, previously came under scrutiny from the NFL Referees Associations (NFLRA) for an appearance in the World Series of Poker, though the NFL maintains Eastin's past involvement is of no concern, with NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirming that Eastin, like all replacement officials on the field, had passed the NFL's extensive background check.

In June, the NFLRA filed an unfair labor practice charge against the NFL, alleging the League had employed bad faith practices in negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with its officials.

In August of 2011, NFL head of officials Carl Johnson anticipated the hiring of a female official, in an ESPN W article featuring Division I: Conference USA referee Sarah Thomas.

Instead of Thomas, however, it was Eastin who took the call to work Thursday's pre-season Chargers-Packers contest and though she may be seen as a "scab" or strikebreaker by those mindful of the present officiating work stoppage, Eastin nonetheless made history just by being on the field as the first female official in National Football League history.

News: NFL will use first female official at San Diego Chargers-Green Bay Packers preseason game