Illegal Touching and OPI

[jemoore]

It is OPI.

Let's remember that if A touches the ball in or beyond the LOS Pass Interference restriction end for B....and if B touches the pass in or beyond the LOS Pass Interference restriction end for both A and B. Since it is not an Illegal Forward Pass it must be treated as a standard pass play.

B then has the choice of taking the results of the play (should they succeed in securing the interception) and declining the penalty. Should B accept the penalty it is enforced from the previous spot (loose ball penalty) and additionally A incurs a loss of down.

Since A53 did not unintentionally or incidentally touch the ball, but rather intentionally touch the ball he is guilty of Illegal Touching. Should B accept this penalty it would be enforced five yards from the previous spot. However, since the OPI is more damaging I'm sure that's the penalty they will accept.