Illegal Participation

[Patton]

Originally posted by mcrowder
Clinics will tell you that the LETTER of the law is as you describe, but the INTENT of the rule is to keep receivers from exiting the field and reentering. I know no official who would call this IP if the receiver first went out of bounds while the ball was already en route to him.

What would you call then? If the pass was incomplete and the receiver just stepped on the line, I can see overlooking that. However, if the pass is complete, you can't give him the catch especially if it happens on the opponents sideline. It is a harsh penalty if its inadvertent, but what other choice to we have?