NFL says RA spike in front of Bademosi should have been flagged

[gmf1369]

Jets receiver Robby Anderson spiked the footballon the Patriots’ sideline on Sunday, a highlight that went viral because the ball bounced into the facemask of Patriots defensive back Johnson Bademosi, who responded with a hilarious flop.

Anderson wasn’t flagged for that spike, but he should have been. NFL head of officiating Al Riveron said in the video he distributed to the media this week that Anderson’s spike was a textbook case of taunting.

“He spikes it inside the opponent’s bench. That is a foul. That is a foul for a taunt, an unsportsmanlike conduct, and that is one of two fouls that will get you ejected from a game,” he said. “You may not spike a ball in front of your opponent’s bench, in front of an opponent, in front of your opponent’s sideline.”

Two officials were looking directly at Anderson when he did it, and neither threw a flag. So Riveron’s video should be required viewing for them.

The NFL didn’t fine Anderson for the taunt, nor did it fine Bodemosi — although flopping can draw fines in the NBA, it’s legal in the NFL.

 

[magicjohnson]

Good non-call. Bademosi hilarious 2 second delay proves he tried to influence the officials. Might have been called if not for the poor acting job. Not an oscar winning performance on his part....he definitely should stick to football.

 

[SackExchange]

I agree that it should have been called. But it also should have been offsetting. What business did he have turning around on the sideline and getting in Anderson's face? It wasn't just the flop. Bademosi turned around and confronted Anderson.

 

[Mainejet]

Personally, I think this is a textbook case of the NFL wanting to over officiate the game. He didn't taunt anyone. If that was his intent, you would have seen him mouthing off to players, coaches, etc. That's not what happened. He spiked the ball and started his way back to the huddle.

Now, Anderson should know the rules and realize that could draw a flag. If he had been flagged now knowing that is a foul, he should get his ass chewed by the coaches for stupidity. You never do anything to hurt the teams chances of winning. He's a player and therefore he'd better know what to do and what not to do.

So all in all, I personally did not think he was taunting anyone and shouldn't be fined, but he should never attempt this again after being informed of the rules.

 

[Elias]

Personally, I think this is a textbook case of the NFL wanting to over officiate the game. He didn't taunt anyone. If that was his intent, you would have seen him mouthing off to players, coaches, etc. That's not what happened. He spiked the ball and started his way back to the huddle.

Now, Anderson should know the rules and realize that could draw a flag. If he had been flagged now knowing that is a foul, he should get his ass chewed by the coaches for stupidity. You never do anything to hurt the teams chances of winning. He's a player and therefore he'd better know what to do and what not to do.

So all in all, I personally did not think he was taunting anyone and shouldn't be fined, but he should never attempt this again after being informed of the rules.

I agree, the nfl is getting ridiculous with their officiating. NCAA refs are way better.