Fumble ?

[Patton]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Keep it simple. Force only applies to the ball being put into the end zone which in this case was the fumble. After the ball is in the end zone, no new force can apply. A simple attempt to recover the ball is not illegal or changes the status of the ball that was already in the end zone.

Agreed, but a foul during the down can certainly change the final outcome of the play. I'm not sure if the "keep it simple" was directed at me or RefSmitty. My intent was to highlight the use of the word bat, which is an intentional act and illegal, in comparison to muff and the difference it could make on this play.