Re: [NFL] Colts-NE, Defensive Delay of Game?

Binyamin Dissen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> On 1 Dec 2003 13:52:09 -0800 [EMAIL PROTECTED] (bill bert) wrote:
> 
> :>Binyamin Dissen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
>  
> :>> On 1 Dec 2003 14:25:36 GMT [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Jeremy Billones) wrote:
>  
> :>> :>Near the end of the Colts/Pats game, with the Patriots out of time outs,
> :>> :>one of their players was "injured" on the field.  The clock, and play,
> :>> :>was stopped for the injury as the Colts went hopping mad.  After
> :>> :>leaving the field for one play, the "injured" player returned for the
> :>> :>key goal line stand, making the final tackle.
>  
> :>> I am confused.
>  
> :>> The defense was out of time outs and faked an injury to stop the clock?
>  
> :>Yes, this is atypical, which may be why the rules might not cover the
> :>situation.
>  
> :>The Colts were pushing the ball down the field without stopping the
> :>clock, and several Patriots were clearly spent. The Colts wanted to
> :>keep rushing off plays to take advantage of the exhausted defense. The
> :>player may have been truly injured, but they sat him down on the field
> :>-- while it appeared he could have walked to the sideline -- and took
> :>their good old time attending to him, allowing their defense to catch
> :>their breath. The rejuveniated defense then was able to mount a strong
> :>goal line stand to save the game.
> 
> Then the fact that it was in the last two minutes is irrelevant.
> 
> The same situation can occur in any no-huddle offense where the defense wishes
> to change personnel.
> 
You're exactly right. The game clock was not an issue.

> What can / should the ref do if he suspects fake injuries?
> 
Unless he is relatively certain the defense is taking advantage,
absolutely nothing. But this does seem like an area open for potential
abuse.