So was this a playcall sheet as well?

[TommyD4207]

Can anyone identify who the person using the phone is and where he's standing? Those questions should be answered to determine if the Bengals are guilty of a rules violation.

About two-and-a-half feet behind the head coach of the team.

 

[Joker]

This thread is just full of "winner" icons...

 

[bbobbo]

About two-and-a-half feet behind the head coach of the team.

But where is Lewis standing? If he's not in the bench area, and that is an operations staff member using the cell phone, then everything is kosher.

 

[TommyD4207]

But where is Lewis standing? If he's not in the bench area, and that is an operations staff member using the cell phone, then everything is kosher.

Is the sideline, watching the game, presumably on the sideline right over the ball, not considered the bench area?

Can the head coach use cellphones during the game then?

 

[juny]

Certain personnel are allowed to use cell phones on the sidelines.

I couldn't find a copy of the NFL Game Operations Manual, but this article on the Browns sideline texting infraction cites the relevant portion:

NFL spokesman says league checking whether Browns violated rule by texting sideline during game



Also, the "bench area" is specifically defined in the NFL Rulebook:

2015 NFL Rulebook | NFL Football Operations

Can anyone identify who the person using the phone is and where he's standing? Those questions should be answered to determine if the Bengals are guilty of a rules violation.

How do we know they are receiving non strategic messages? (honor code?) These rules are dumb. cell phones for everybody everywhere. looks like browns got screwed for dumb rules.

 

[slam]

Maybe he has the New York Times 4th Down Bot cued up on the cellphone.

 

[bbobbo]

Is the sideline, watching the game, presumably on the sideline right over the ball, not considered the bench area?

Can the head coach use cellphones during the game then?

this is the official "bench area" as defined by the NFL:

No, coaches can't use cellphone during the game.

"Unless specifically permitted by league rules, the use of cellular phones, smart phones, tablet devices, computers, wearable electronic devices such as Google Glass, and other electronic equipment by coaches, players, and other club personnel is prohibited in club-controlled areas including, but not limited to, sidelines and coaches' booths.

"These restrictions apply from ninety (90) minutes prior to kickoff through the end of the game, including halftime. Coaches, players, and other team personnel are permitted to use such electronic devices in the locker room prior to kickoff and are permitted to use league-issued Microsoft Surface tablets throughout game day for viewing coaches' still photos."

 

[TommyD4207]

this is the official "bench area" as defined by the NFL:

No, coaches can't use cellphone during the game.

Then he was absolutely in the bench area, unless Marvin Lewis was standing in the tunnel or something.

 

[bbobbo]

Then he was absolutely in the bench area, unless Marvin Lewis was standing in the tunnel or something.

Here's a better picture with the yard markers:

The bench area looks like it only goes from one 30-yard line to the other. So if Lewis was at the 20-yard line standing more than 12 feet away from the playing field, he's presumably not in the bench area.

 

[Dr Pain]

Elway was texting as well. Love pointing out the double standard

 

[RobertWeathers]

Elway was texting as well. Love pointing out the double standard

He was in the press box. I think that is ok as long as he is not communicating with staff on the field.

 

[TheFlyingWedge]

Yes, cellphones are not allowed on sidelines.

Does this rule even make sense considering you can do most cellphone-related activities on a Microsoft Surface and those devices are required/encouraged by the NFL to be used on the sidelines due to contractual obligations?

 

[memento]

Does this rule even make sense considering you can do most cellphone-related activities on a Microsoft Surface and those devices are required/encouraged by the NFL to be used on the sidelines due to contractual obligations?

It's my understanding they're not actually Microsoft Surface tablets, they just have the Surface shells to look like Surface tablets.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Does this rule even make sense considering you can do most cellphone-related activities on a Microsoft Surface and those devices are required/encouraged by the NFL to be used on the sidelines due to contractual obligations?

No. Its freaking stupid. The whole rule is dumb. The rule is antiquated and has not kept pace with today's technological capabilities.

With that said they may have a usage tracker on the Surfaces...but I doubt it.

But it is rule and if this NFL Gameday Ops & NFL Security are so maniacal about competitive fairness, they need to come down on Cinci.

Let me know when that happens.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Volin is saying he was outside the bench area. No action will be taken by the league.

I'm shocked I tell you.....Shocked!

 

[Marinlik]

Does this rule even make sense considering you can do most cellphone-related activities on a Microsoft Surface and those devices are required/encouraged by the NFL to be used on the sidelines due to contractual obligations?

It's a microsoft sponsor thing. So it's probaby extremely easy for them to just lock the devices so you can only do what you are allowed to do.

 

[h0c2000]

Cell phones will be allowed on the sidelines once Verizon or AT&T fork over some cash.

 

[Dr Pain]

well, I guess I posted a little too slowly.

Per the rules and map posted Ben is buying another NFL lie. Hardly a surprise.

 

[upstater1]

Does this rule even make sense considering you can do most cellphone-related activities on a Microsoft Surface and those devices are required/encouraged by the NFL to be used on the sidelines due to contractual obligations?

You can also film video with those things.

 

[shmessy]

Certain personnel are allowed to use cell phones on the sidelines.

I couldn't find a copy of the NFL Game Operations Manual, but this article on the Browns sideline texting infraction cites the relevant portion:

NFL spokesman says league checking whether Browns violated rule by texting sideline during game



Also, the "bench area" is specifically defined in the NFL Rulebook:

2015 NFL Rulebook | NFL Football Operations

Can anyone identify who the person using the phone is and where he's standing? Those questions should be answered to determine if the Bengals are guilty of a rules violation.

That's all well and good.

However, regardless of who it is and for what purpose they were using that cellphone - - - the NFL official explanation put out the flat-lie claim that it wasn't "within the bench area".

Doesn't look like Marv was standing in line at a movie theater there.