Illegal Touching, Fumble on punt

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by MJT

ljudge, NCAA or NF rules, why couldn't A decline the foul and take the TD? They don't "have" to take the ball at the spot of illegal/first touching, it is an option.

It's because their player made the illegal touch. But I agree that the personal foul's leading to the TD is a screwy result.

It's too bad the rules don't provide for ways to kill the play to prevent futile efforts and possible injury. Like if when A got possession following their illegal touch, the ball would become dead. That is what happens if it it's during the kick, but interpose a possession by R and a nutty thing like this can happen.

Same if an ineligible receiver catches a pass. Play continues, but it's futile, and personal fouls & injuries can occur during the interval of futility. And it may be one of those situations where the player catching the ball might've had a good reason to, like he wasn't sure it was a forward pass or whether touching by B occurred.

Robert