Watching TB vs Dallas, one of the TB defenders threw his helmet at the ground after dropping a would-be INT. I always thought removing the helmet (if not injury related) was an automatic penalty? did they change that?
Watching TB vs Dallas, one of the TB defenders threw his helmet at the ground after dropping a would-be INT. I always thought removing the helmet (if not injury related) was an automatic penalty? did they change that?
yeah, figured as much. it's not like the refs 'just missed this one', the camera was on the guy and he basically walked off the field with his helmet in hand
Probably a network timeout. Everybody knows the league and refs favor the older teams like the Cowboys, Giants, etc., and come down on the newer teams like the Bucs, Pats, etc.Removing Helmets on the Field During Play -- no player may remove his helmet while on the playing field. Doing so will result in a 15-yard Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty. Exceptions are during timeouts and between quarters.
nope wasn't a timeout or between quarters. refs just blew this one
I wondered the same thing. It was blatant, midfield, and immediately after the play. They must have dropped the rule.