[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by blindzebra

Even if it does escalate over time, and the player has been talked to or whatever, prior to the objectionable phrase, just how does that change the punishment for the offense?

That's the major hole in your argument.

The player may have had his girlfriend break up with him just before the game. He could have issues with friends...at home...drugs...any number of things that could cause an immediate reaction.

Perhaps it did build and the officials talked to him...asked the coach to get involved before he said what he said.

None of that matters to how you handle what was said, when and if he says it.

Our job is to judge the action and penalize appropriately.

There is no major hole in my argument, you just do not agree with it.

Peace