NFL considering player ejections for dangerous hits

[thabear04]

The NFL Competition Committee will have a busy agenda next week when it meets in Phoenix for the Annual League Meeting, according to NFL vice president Troy Vincent. One provision the group is exploring in particular could have a profound impact on games this coming year.

The Committee is also exploring ways — including considering immediate ejections or suspensions — to take dangerous hits out of our game

We'll communicate this to our coaches and players with video examples of flagrant hits that may result in ejection or suspension



The development comes on the heels of last year's provision, which implemented an automatic ejection system for players who committed two personal fouls in the same game. It mirrors the controversial, if effective rule that granted NCAA officials similar power. The NCAA agreed at the beginning of the month to uphold their version of the targeting rule for the 2017 season.

"The change we have witnessed in player behavior has been significantly positive," NCAA rules committee chair Bob Nielson said in a release. "The adjustment made last year to allow the replay official to examine all aspects of the targeting rule was a positive change."

Other items for discussion include the development of an "educational training video for players to show clear examples of appropriate and inappropriate celebrations." Referees battled criticism this past season for what critics called an uneven interpretation of what celebrations constitute taunting and which were excessive.

[Buehler445]

The idea has been tossed out here before that if someone goes out on a flagged hit, that the offending player needs to sit the same time.

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

The idea has been tossed out here before that if someone goes out on a flagged hit, that the offending player needs to sit the same time.

you'd have scrubs faking a brain injury all the time..

[Dartgod]

I wonder how the refs will determine what is dangerous?

Laying a fingernail on Tom Brady = Dangerous

Blasting Alex Smith's head into the turf = Not Dangerous

[notorious]

Originally Posted by Dartgod

I wonder how the refs will determine what is dangerous?

Laying a fingernail on Tom Brady = Dangerous

Blasting Alex Smith's head into the turf = Not Dangerous

.

[Frazod]

Originally Posted by Dartgod

I wonder how the refs will determine what is dangerous?

Laying a fingernail on Tom Brady = Dangerous

Blasting Alex Smith's head into the turf = Not Dangerous

The mere thought of laying a fingernail on Tom Terrific should draw a fine!

[Sorce]

I have always hated the college rule, I feel like the play should be reviewed for intent. There is a difference between a helmet to helmet hit because the Receiver falls and a player launching themselves into another player.

Just like in basketball officials go to the monitor to determine if a foul is flagrant I think they should do the same here. I don't think every penalty should be an ejection.

[TribalElder]

Originally Posted by Dartgod

I wonder how the refs will determine what is dangerous?

Laying a fingernail on Tom Brady = Dangerous

Blasting Alex Smith's head into the turf = Not Dangerous

This

Like when the refs took Charles out the Indy game for concussion protocol

Inconsistent interpretation is just another way for officials to influence game outcomes

[srvy]

Originally Posted by Dartgod

I wonder how the refs will determine what is dangerous?

Laying a fingernail on Tom Brady = Dangerous

Blasting Alex Smith's head into the turf = Not Dangerous

This

Just more ref interpretation and injecting themselves in to game.

[Dayze]

yay, more subjectivity.

that's been working swimmingly on holding and DPI calls.

[Titty Meat]

They do this in college football and honestly it's a disaster.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by BigMeatballBillay

They do this in college football and honestly it's a disaster.

I usually hate subjective officiating. But the biggest disaster is how many games and seasons are influenced by players getting knocked out of games or seasons. The nfl is getting uncomfortable to watch. I don't want a team to win the Super Bowl because they were lucky enough to keep a qb healthy. And a 15 yard penalty means nothing if the offense loses a star player to a concussion, while the defensive player stays in the game.

Targeting rules will be uncomfortable. But they're needed more than ever. Buehlers idea makes the most sense. If you knock a player out with an illegal hit, you should sit out an equal number of snaps.

[Dayze]

I'm sure the definition of "Dangerous" will be crystal clear.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by Dayze

I'm sure the definition of "Dangerous" will be crystal clear.

Dangerous (NFL adjective):

"Of potential harm to Tom Brady or someone he cares about."

"Any contact that may impact near-term television ratings and jersey sales."

[siberian khatru]

The league can't even agree on what a catch is anymore.