Does

[IREFU2]

Originally posted by M&M Guy
Just an FYI - the official did know the team was out of timeouts, and was trying to make sure it was obvious the player was requesting the TO. The player did not verbalize the request, but just signaled with a two-handed "t". No one else was making a request.

The official's comment was he wanted everyone to be aware the player was requesting the TO, so there would be no misunderstanding of why the T would be called. He also pointed out the language in the book, which seems to give us a little latitude. If it's always automatic, why not use the word "must" in the rule?

Like Rut said, it gives us some lattitude. I have seen some officials stop play, make sure the coach wants the timeout, just incase the coach didnt realize it was his last and either grant it with a "t" or put the ball back in play.