Quote:
Originally Posted by rad
Tates feet are on the ground at the moment of contact.
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I dont' think launching means you need to be in mid-air at the time you hit the guy. He launches into the guy, as proven by the fact that his feet are both off the ground a half-second, at most, after he hits the guy.
EDIT: Apparently this is not launching after all. To be launching you must leave your feet before contact.
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- NFL owners have approved rules amendments for player safety that include eliminating a player launching himself into a defenseless opponent.
The 32 owners have voted unanimously to enhance the protection of defenseless players. Anyone who leaves both feet
before contact to spring forward and upward into an opponent and delivers a blow to the helmet with any part of his helmet will draw a 15-yard penalty.
Such tackles also will be subject to fines.
The definition of a defenseless receiver has been extended. Now, a receiver who has not had time to protect himself or has not clearly become a runner even if both feet are on the ground is considered defenseless.
http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports...ayer_safe.html
So it's not launching, but it is a head/neck hit (chin really) hit on a defenseless player, so it's still illegal and he should still expect to find a nice note from the NFL delivered to his doorstop.