A different "illegal fwd pass" situation

[Bob M.]

Originally Posted by gsf23

...The rule was then made that an intentional fumble forward shall be ruled an incomplete pass.

REPLY: Actually, I'm not sure that was the rule change. I believe that an intentional fumble forward was always ruled an incomplete pass. The problem was in those days before replay, no one could see that it was "intentional." I think (please correct me if I'm wrong) that the rule change was that any forward fumble (4th down?) is returned to the spot of the fumble, similar to the current NCAA rule. The rule in the NFL is called the "Markbreit" rule since the play occurred on his watch--and it was his first nationally televised game as a referee.