[Bob Proctor]

The tough thing in this play is determining whether the linebacker had the opportunity to know that the runner had become a passer before he attempts to tackle him. If the linebacker had ample opportunity to see that the runner had become a passer AND also had the time to avoid hitting him after he had released the ball but hit him anyway he is guilty of roughing the passer. Situation: The linebacker has already launched himself at the runner before the pass is thrown. Can you penalize the linebacker because the runner decided to throw the ball when he knew the hit was unavoidable? Referees are faced with the same situation numerous times in each game and have to make the same assessment each time. In most cases when the quarterback is hit the result is not roughing, espcially when he is scrambling or, in other words, has become a runner.