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Old Thu Sep 29, 2011, 06:20pm
mbyron mbyron is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NE Ohio
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zebra14 View Post
Play last week.
K Punt from the 50. Ball bounces down to the 1, R is not near the ball to return it. The ball becomes at Rest for 1 1/2 seconds. K2 comes sliding in to down the ball but but his mometum carries it into the endzone. We then have the whistle of the play being dead.

I have heard 2 different rulings.

1. Ball at the 1 because the ball was at Rest so that means the play is dead right there.

2. Touchback as there was a force to bring it into the endzone.

Thoughts?
If the ball is absolutely motionless and K does this, then you have no choice but to rule it dead on K's touch. The rule has already been cited.

However, if the ball is moving the least little bit, then your question is live again. The ruling should be:

1. First touching by K at the 1, and then
2. K muffs the kick into the endzone, which results in a touchback.

R would have the choice between taking the ball at the spot of first touching and taking the result of the play. I wouldn't bother offering them this choice: just spot the ball at the 20 and play on, 1st and 10.
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mb
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