RayClay
Hall of Fame Poster
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It has been proposed here that it's OK to hit a runner with your helmet, as Landry did to Edelman, because he was running and therefore not defenseless.
I was surprised no one challenged that as I thought Landry was guilty of what we used to call spearing. I'm not a rule expert, but i believe I'm right and he should have been penalized.
Rule 12, Section 2, Article 8 (Unnecessary roughness) in the NFL rulebook
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/29969/nfl-rulebook-unnecessary-roughness
They give special attention to marginal, or incidental shots to those in defenseless postures, but leading with the crown of your helmet has always been a penalty. Right or wrong?
[I haven't rewatched it, BTW, my memory of the contact could be wrong]
I was surprised no one challenged that as I thought Landry was guilty of what we used to call spearing. I'm not a rule expert, but i believe I'm right and he should have been penalized.
Rule 12, Section 2, Article 8 (Unnecessary roughness) in the NFL rulebook
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/29969/nfl-rulebook-unnecessary-roughness
(f) If a player uses any part of his helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/”hairline” parts) or facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily. Although such violent or unnecessary use of the helmet and facemask is impermissible against any opponent, game officials will give special attention in administering this rule to protecting those players who are in virtually defenseless postures, including but not limited to:
They give special attention to marginal, or incidental shots to those in defenseless postures, but leading with the crown of your helmet has always been a penalty. Right or wrong?
[I haven't rewatched it, BTW, my memory of the contact could be wrong]
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