Mike,
Good point and no I probably wouldn't blow it dead. So if the scenarios are indeed the same then, we probably shouldn't on the punt either. One thing though, maybe it is just a typo on your part, but in one area you say that any player that gives a valid fair catch signal is protected. Earlier in the thread it was pointed out that valid/invalid is different from legal/illegal.
"As far as fair catch signals go, by rule, a player can't be contacted if he gives a VALID fair catch signal"
So in reading your post if it is valid but illegal, it seems they would be afforded protection (except for the portion from the handbook)??
maybe we just have to tell em if you don't want to get hit after you catch it and start to run, either take a knee or go play soccer
