a possible New NFL rule may make blindside tackling on unsespecting players illegal...

[Analog]

The NFL Competition Committee meeting in Hawaii this week will recommend that blind-side plays on "unsuspecting" players -- such as Warren Sapp's block on Packers tackle Chad Clifton on a punt return two years ago -- should be banished under the rules, league sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Tuesday.

If the proposal is adopted by owners at next week's league meetings in Maui, it will be specifically written into a broader interpretation of the unnecessary roughness rule.

The proposed change came as the result of continued dialogue stemming from Sapp's block on Clifton during a game between the Buccaneers and Packers on Nov. 24, 2003, in Tampa. The play on which Clifton was injured occured in the third quarter, on an interception by cornerback Brian Kelly, and far removed from the action. Video showed that Sapp launched himself into the unsuspecting Clifton, who had his head turned and appeared to be slowing down.Clifton missed the remainder of the 2003 season with severe pelvic injuries.

Another play that pushed the committee into action came on a 2004 Monday Night Football game, when Broncos offensive tackle George Foster dislocated the ankle of Bengals defensive linemen Tony Williams who, under the new interpretation, would have been an "unsuspecting player" because the play was beyond him. However, there will be no changes on the controversial cut blocks that are allowed within the designated blocking zone.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2013952

 

[Coquito]

I always thought it was already illegal. Blocks in the back are really dangerous. Unless they guy has the ball, it isn't alright.

 

[mcveigh]

I remember that hit Sapp gave..it was nasty and uncalled for.


<--bucs fan

 

[BigJelly]

Originally posted by: mcveigh
I remember that hit Sapp gave..it was nasty and uncalled for.


<--bucs fan

I think he should be blindsided by a bus <--- Packer's Fan

 

[chuckywang]

I've hated Sapp ever since that block and then him mouthing off to Mike Sherman. Chad Clifton spent Thanksgiving in the hospital. Sapp should have gotten charged for something like that. <--Packers fan.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Soon it will be the NFFL.

 

[LeonarD26]

As long as they don't take the rule too far, I'm all for it.... Maybe we would never had blind sided Bledsoe and Brady never would have emerged.........

<---- Jets fan

 

[Kelemvor]

It's not about blocks in the back, it's about sever blocks on a player that is no where near the play and is not looking or suspecting someone to come up and pound him.

And I think it definitely should be illegal and anyone doing it should be put out for the season. Actually the idea I like best is that if you injure someone and they are out for a while, you should have to sit out until the other player comes back. Whether that's 1 game or 5 years....

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: Coquito
I always thought it was already illegal. Blocks in the back are really dangerous. Unless they guy has the ball, it isn't alright.

They weren't blocks in the back. The players just had their heads turned and didn't see the person that was coming to block them.

It's unfortunate what happened to these guys but that is just part of the danger of playing football. With everything else going on, you can't expect referees to look to see if someone has their head turned and can't see the player coming to block them.

It would have to be reviewed on tape and fines and suspensions handed out. Even then, only the most extreme plays should be penalized.

 

[HendrixFan]

Sapp's hit certainly wasnt a block in the back. He hit him right in the chest, and quite honestly, they werent out of the play as the rule is trying to stress. Both players were even with the ball, its not like they were 30 yards downfield behind the play. You take away the ability for a player to block someone IN THEIR CHEST when they are parallel to the ball, then everyone will cutback to the center where everyone has to aviod contact.

Its a terrible rule that has no business being in football, and kick returns will be way too easy from now on. With the recent rule on corners from last year and now this, the NFL may as well start putting flags in players belts and no longer play tackle.