BLUE 1,026 Posted March 16, 2011 By The Associated Press The NFL will be more aggressive in suspending players next season for illegal hits, and also could make changes to instant replay and kickoffs. Ray Anderson, the league's chief disciplinarian, said today that repeat offenders or players committing flagrant illegal hits will have a much greater chance of being suspended during the 2011 season. No suspensions were handed down in 2010 even after the NFL's crackdown on such hits, in part because "we were operating under the principle unless you have given sufficent advance notice of what the results could be, you need to be more lenient," Anderson said. "Frankly, now that the notice has been given, players and coaches and clubs are very aware of what the emphasis is and we won't have that hesitation," Anderson said. "Everyone will be very clearly on notice now that a suspension is very viable for us and we will exercise it ... when it comes to illegal hits to the head and neck area and to defenseless players." The NFL increased the amount on its fines for such hits last year after a series of fouls on one October weekend. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison was fined $75,000 for one such tackle, while Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson and New England Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather were docked $50,000 for hits to defenseless opponents that weekend. Many more fines were implemented throughout the remainder of last season but no player was suspended, even though suspensions were considered, Anderson said. "We want to be much more clear on what can be a suspendable incident," Anderson said. "The emphasis is on head and neck hits and what a defenseless player is. And we will work hard that people understand what is a repeat offender and what is a flagrant foul." The league looks at two years worth of plays to determined repeat offenders. Rules defining a defenseless player will be expanded and now will include eight categories: -- A quarterback in the act of throwing; -- A receiver trying to catch a pass; -- A runner already in the grasp of tacklers and having his forward progress stopped; -- A player fielding a punt or a kickoff; -- A kicker or punter during the kick; -- A quarterback at any time after change of possession; -- A receever who receives a blind-side block; -- A player already on the ground. Read more: NJ.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KiLaSix9+ 398 Posted March 16, 2011 When are players going to begin wearing their flags? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rzb+ 367 Posted March 16, 2011 Rules defining a defenseless player will be expanded and now will include eight categories: -- A quarterback in the act of throwing; -- A receiver trying to catch a pass; -- A runner already in the grasp of tacklers and having his forward progress stopped; -- A player fielding a punt or a kickoff; -- A kicker or punter during the kick; -- A quarterback at any time after change of possession; -- A receever who receives a blind-side block; -- A player already on the ground. Read more: NJ.com You HAVE to be fucking kidding me. Let's just take the defense off the field all together. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
funnygunny 521 Posted March 16, 2011 A quarterback in the act of throwing... Does that mean you can no longer attempt to stop/sack the quarterback as soon as he raises his arm? gg. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NaTaS+ 958 Posted March 18, 2011 God, they are really trying to fuck up the game arent they? Suspensions for BS, new rules, lockout. Destroying the game we love. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Favre4Ever+ 4,476 Posted March 18, 2011 The first one is the worst, imo. QBs in the act of throwing?!? Are you being completely serious? Like... what the fuck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KeVo 176 Posted March 18, 2011 If only we could go back in time when this was a game for actual football. These definitions are ridiculous. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tridentdawgpound 1,043 Posted March 18, 2011 I really hate how the league continues to ignore its fans' opinions on issues like this yet claims to be in it for them. Won't be long til the QB's have red practice jerseys in-game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bay 2,003 Posted March 18, 2011 Jesus fucking christ. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteVo+ 3,702 Posted March 18, 2011 A quarterback in the act of throwing? You fucking serious, brah? It is seriously almost getting to the point where football is going to be tough to watch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigBen07 285 Posted March 18, 2011 What...the...fuck... THIS IS GODDAMN HORSESHIT! A quarterback in the act of throwing?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! WHY DON'T WE JUST GET RID OF THE PASS RUSH ALL TOGETHER?! Way to fucking protect the QB's some more! Next thing you know it'll be illegal to hit an RB before he gets past the line of scrimmage! And as for a WR trying to catch a pass... there is already a rule in place for that! It's called PASS INTERFERENCE! There is no point in having that penalty if you make it illegal to hit a receiver as he's trying to catch a pass! If this gets implemented, the game is gonna be ruined big time. Football is supposed to be a rough sport, and there are always risks of injuries, but at this rate it will get so watered down that it will be totally unwatchable in a few years. Way to go motherfuckers! Thanks for continuing to ruin a wonderful game! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RazorStar 4,025 Posted March 18, 2011 (edited) -- A quarterback at any time after change of possession; This is the one I take biggest offense with. He's a defender once he throws an interception! Not to say I like any of these, but this is by far the worst. Edited March 18, 2011 by RazorStar Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigBen07 285 Posted March 18, 2011 -- A quarterback at any time after change of possession; This is the one I take biggest offense with. He's a defender once he throws an interception! Not to say I like any of these, but this is by far the worst. Well now you can't touch a QB at all, man. Looks like the sack stat will be gone in a few years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
