Stokley ejection
 

During the Denver game today, Stokley was ejected for contacting an official while arguing about what he thought should have been a pass interference call. Personally, as a Bronco fan, I thought it was a good flag. My question is, is the ejection automatic with any sort of contact?

The contact was, essentially, on the BJ's outstretched fingers as Stokley threw his arms in frustration while he turned to walk away. Personally, I think the ejection was good even if some discretion is allowed in this case, but i was just wondering if the NFL views this as judgment free.

Intentionally contacting an official is an ejection under all codes, I believe. He'll get a fine on Tuesday also. My only question would be was it intentional?

Based on the replay, I do not think there was anything but intent on Stokely's part. I will also not be surprised if the league does suspend Stokely for the next week's game.

The player is already pushing the acceptable behavior envelope by arguing the call so demonstratively. Making contact with the official in this context I believe goes over the line, regardless of whether or not it was intentional. The onus was on the player to control his actions.

The ejection is a good call IMO.

I seem to recall an incident earlier in the year when a player did something similar amd was not ejected but the League essentially chastised the crew for not booting him

You runs that far to yell and gesture at an official and you takes your chances. Just sayin'.

Looks intentional to me.

YouTube - Brandon Stokley Ejected For slapping Ref .. Broncos vs. Eagles

Stokely running 30 yds to argue with me would draw a flag immediately from me (even before he said a word). How about you?

This is not baseball, softball, or basketball. No flag for that.

Agreed. Coulda, shoulda been 2 USCs for 30 yards. I've never seen that in the NFL however.

Most every game you can see a player or coach vent their frustration at what they believe to be a bad call - you see them leap into the air, jump up and down, pound the ground, throw their hands in the air in exasperation, wag their fingers, etc. and NOTHING happens in the way of a penalty as they are far enough from an official that it is “ignored.”

To intentionally go toward and official and do it that close – you get what you earned.

NFHS- Absolutely
NCAA- Most likely
NFL- Maybe not

Maybe not in the NFL. On Friday nights, though, absolutely.

It baffles me as to how contact with an official such at this, which we can all argue weather it was intentional or not, deems immediate ejection. However actions in the past few weeks in the NFC East Primtime games between the Giants/Eagles and Giants/Redskins where there were fights and only 1 ejection and 0 suspensions. I agree 100% that Stokely diserved the USC flag, weather or not the call was missed on the holding/PI on the play prior.