ESPN Mosley: Mike Pereira explains T.O. penalty

[Everlastingxxx]

I'm know that very few here knew that minor detail, although they're very vocal about it.

So far only two have posted that they they knew. Two of 18k+ members and only two.

SHOULD T.O. have known? Yes. But I doubt very few players know the particulars of EVERY rule in the rule book. Players don't study rule books as they do their playbooks.

Are you serious? When i saw TO go down i screamed NO! YOUR GOING TO GET A FLAG! That wasn’t a thought you had when he went down on all fours? Staying off the ground isn’t a minor detail.

 

[DCgirl13]

Those kind of penalties seem so ticky tack to me, let the guy have his moment.

At least he didn't try to damage anything like last year when the Giants player lobbed the football at the play clock and didn't get anything. That made me so angry.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Are you serious? When i saw TO go down i screamed NO! YOUR GOING TO GET A FLAG! That wasn’t a thought you had when he went down on all fours? Staying off the ground isn’t a minor detail.

I'm absolutely serious. His celebration wasn't nearly as outrageous as others we've seen, so why would I anticipate him getting a flag.

And I mean minor in the sense that details are often lost in the translation of a rule. Most on here can quote some variation of the rule about choreographed, excessive celebrations, using props, etc, but only two that I've seen knew that that rule included kneeling to the ground, as well. Especially since so many players often do a quick kneel and prayer.

And if you read Pereira's explanation, he didn't say the kneel and prayer was legal. He evaded it for the most part. And if the rule is supposed to be called, then they should call against players who do that as well.

 

[stealth]

Do any of you realize the enormous backlash that would happen if a player was flagged for genuflecting?

The NFL isn't ********. I don't understand why people here don't understand how HUGE the difference is.

I can see the picket signs now, it would be a PR disaster

 

[WoodysGirl]

Do any of you realize the enormous backlash that would happen if a player was flagged for genuflecting?

The NFL isn't ********. I don't understand why people here don't understand how HUGE the difference is.

I can see the picket signs now, it would be a PR disaster

Of course people realize that and understand the difference.

Point is, refs are allowed to use common sense sometimes and this was one of those cases they should've followed it.

 

[DallasEast]

Funny though, TO almost had 2 more TDs in that game. What would he have done had he scored on those? Would he have figured it out? Just how many scripted celebrations does he go into game day with anyway?

Owens has proven to be very creative through the years. I believe it's safe to say that he will have something planned for all his touchdowns.

 

[stealth]

Of course people realize that and understand the difference.

Point is, refs are allowed to use common sense sometimes and this was one of those cases they should've followed it.

I don't know, I think he should have been flagged.

 

[WoodysGirl]

I don't know, I think he should have been flagged.

From an official's standpoint, they could've considered the following:

Was there an advantage/disadvantage?
Was there a delay in the game?
Was there direct taunting involving the other team?

That's what I mean by common sense. A 2 sec celebration wasn't worth a 15 yard penalty.

 

[SteveOS]

I don't understand why people like Santana Moss can get up after a first down and spin the ball on the ground and give the "first down" signal. He's not the only one that does this, yet they never get a flag. A Cowboy does it and you can bet there will be one.

If they want to enforce a rule, they should enforce the rule to everyone and every team. To me, it's a little shady.

 

[stealth]

From an official's standpoint, they could've considered the following:

Was there an advantage/disadvantage?
Was there a delay in the game?
Was there direct taunting involving the other team?

That's what I mean by common sense. A 2 sec celebration wasn't worth a 15 yard penalty.

But you get into murky waters if you selectively don't call stuff that should, by rule, be called. I don't like the rules but would honestly rather they be unwavering in their calls rather than selective based on situations.

 

[WoodysGirl]

But you get into murky waters if you selectively don't call stuff that should, by rule, be called. I don't like the rules but would honestly rather they be unwavering in their calls rather than selective based on situations.

I realize that. Rules are rules. And generally-speaking, they should be applied fairly and consistently.

But seeing as nobody up to this point had been called for a similar infraction, they could've just continued the trend of making a non-call.

 

[Iago33]

I'm absolutely serious. His celebration wasn't nearly as outrageous as others we've seen, so why would I anticipate him getting a flag.

And I mean minor in the sense that details are often lost in the translation of a rule. Most on here can quote some variation of the rule about choreographed, excessive celebrations, using props, etc, but only two that I've seen knew that that rule included kneeling to the ground, as well. Especially since so many players often do a quick kneel and prayer.

And if you read Pereira's explanation, he didn't say the kneel and prayer was legal. He evaded it for the most part. And if the rule is supposed to be called, then they should call against players who do that as well.

I agree with everything you said except "why would I anticipate him getting a flag." I must be in the great minority because when I saw him go down I heard in my head the rule "you can't go to the ground." I think it's a little harsh in this case, but it's clearly not a "hidden rule."

 

[Spectre]

He was still on his feet Mr. Periera. I don't even really like most TD celebrations, but that was rather bland to draw 15 yards. Oh yeah, in the final 2 minutes when it has to be a booth review, make them do their jobs. He was in.

Amen.

If you're going to scrutinize T.O.'s antics that critically... at least do your end of the job.