Quote:
Originally posted by 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.
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Bob raises a good point. It is really a judgment call if the B player could tell if the A was a passer prior to "launching" himself. Sometimes the non-QB gives it away because he doesn't run upfield, but 'drifts' to the side. In other cases the non-QB has the ball and looks like he is going to run upfield. In any case, it is a judgment if the hit was late or if it was unavoidable. We all have the image in our minds as to which is which and we call it accordingly.