[quote name='BigT']Please read the NFL Rule Book in Rule 3 Section 21 which defines a pass:
"A Pass is the movement of the ball caused by handing, throwing, shoving
(shovel pass), or pushing (push pass) by a runner (3-27-1). Such a movement is a pass, even though the ball does not leave his hand or hands, provided a teammate takes it (hand-to-hand pass)."
Cearly, Warner's act was a pass.
Furthermore, a forward pass is defined as follows:
"(a) the ball initially moves forward (to a point nearer the opponent’s goal line) after leaving the passer’s hands; or
(b) the ball first strikes the ground, a player, an official, or anything else at a point that is nearer the opponent’s goal line than the point at which the ball leaves the passer’s
hand; or
(c) the ball is handed (regardless of the direction of the movement of the ball) to a player who is in advance of a teammate from whose hands he takes or receives it."
Warner's pass satisfied both a and b.
"Note 1: When a Team A player is holding the ball to pass it forward, any intentional movement forward of his hand starts a forward pass. If a Team B player contacts the passer or the ball after forward movement begins, and the ball leaves the passer’s hand, a forward pass is ruled, regardless of where the ball strikes the ground or a player."
All that has to happen for a forward pass is for the arm to begin to come forward... bad call.
I'm not a fan of the rule, but the rule states that the following is unsportsmanlike conduct during a celebration:
"(f) Possession or use of foreign or extraneous object(s) that are not part of the uniform during the game on the field or the sideline, or
using the ball as a prop."
There is no room for a judgment call...
The rule is on the books, and can be called, but "Severity of contact and potential for injury are to be considered." The play did not seem like it warrented 15 yds.
I am not aware of that rule. I know that purposely staying out of bounds is a penalty plus on offense, you lose eligibility if you go out of bounds on your own accord and the same goes for punts/kickoffs, but on defense, you can be out of bounds if you are pushed out.
http://www.pronewsblog.com/sports/james-harrison-punching-aaron-francisco/
Unsportsmanlike conduct:
"(a) Throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent even though no contact is made."
If flagrant, the player is to be disqualified.[/QUOTE]
Very Nice
Watching the video of what Harrison did is down right nasty. Dirtiest player in the NFL? O Fo Sho!