USA TODAY International Edition
Sherman sounds off on ‘idiotic’ helmet rule
Inconsistent rulings concern many players
49ers cornerback Richard Sherman sounded off on the revised rule aimed to take the use of the helmet out of tackling, calling it “idiotic” and saying the NFL “will be flag football soon.”
The rule, which intends to promote player safety, was approved in March and penalizes any player — offensive or defensive — who initiates contact with his helmet to any part of an opposing player’s body. In egregious cases, officials have the option to eject a player from a game.
“To all those ppl including those who made the rule. I want a video of YOU running full speed and being lead by anything but your head while also attempting to bring down a moving target,” Sherman said Sunday morning in a message posted to his verified Twitter account. “You will soon realize it’s impossible.” Sherman’s message was in response to a tweet posted by Brett Tessler, an NFL agent who reps Sherman’s San Francisco teammate, Raheem Mostert, who was penalized for a tackle made in Saturday’s 16-13 Texans victory.
Through nearly two full weeks of preseason games, the rule has been applied — at times — with inconsistency, leading many defensive players to criticize it.
The issue officials face is making judgment calls on when players lead with their helmets in split-second cases during live game action.
NFL vice president of officiating Al Riveron has posted various messages to his own social media accounts, trying to clarify what does and does not constitute an infraction under the revised rule.
NFL officiating representatives have also visited each franchise throughout training camp to assist in answering any questions players or coaches might have about the rule.
It’s apparent, however, that some refining still needs to take place before the start of the regular season. Otherwise, it’s safe to expect players to continue to criticize the revised rule.
“There is no ‘make adjustment’ to the way you tackle,” Sherman continued on Twitter. “Even in a perfect form tackle the body is led by the head. The rule is idiotic And should be dismissed immediately. When you watch rugby players tackle they are still lead by their head. Will be flag football soon.”