The ground can't cause a fumble
 

This used to be a clear cut rule. No subjective bullshit involved. Now it seems like yet another way for the refs to influence the outcome of a game. Discuss.

Yes, the ground CAN cause a fumble if the fumbling player is not down by contact.

/thread

The ground is still less likely to cause a fumble than alex smith......

I've seen at least two instances this pre-season where the ball popped out as the player with the ball landed on his back after being hit, both were called fumbles. I could have sworn the back counted as down by contact.

Ban the ground.

Got a specific example (and video)?

If it's exactly as you described, those should not have been fumbles. However, if the ball starts to move around after the hit and then eventually becomes fully dislodged when the player hits the ground, it could definitely be ruled a fumble.

Likewise, if the player is hit but stays on his feet for a few runs, then falls and loses it, that could be called a fumble as well.

I didn't agree with this call at all, progress was over and Dex was down.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FHY44aEhI-A?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

McCluster also "fumbled" another ball where he was on his ass and then knocked on his back when the ball came out.

Not down by contact.

True that, but he was down by butt hurt. Ought to be a law! :cuss:

Definitely a fumble.

True, but that was an incompletion by todays definition unless the qb threw the ball backwards. I can't remember.

Didn't stop the refs from calling a Giants player down when he left the ball on the ground without being touched. I can't remember who the player was but it was a pretty deciding call.

They call it "giving yourself up" or some shit. McCluster clearly wasn't attempting to advance the ball and gave himself up due to injury.

I doubt the ref knew he was injured when the call was made.