Adding a ‘booth ump,’ onside kick alternative among possible moves

The NFL is considering adding a “booth umpire” and a senior technology adviser to the referee to assist the officiating crew, and is looking at other rules changes, including an alternative to the onside kick.

NFL clubs received a list of potential rules changes Thursday. Owners will vote on the proposals at the upcoming league meeting to be held by video conference May 28.

A booth umpire, who would have access to a video feed, would serve as an eighth game official.

The proposal would give teams an option to an onside kick by allowing a team to maintain possession of the ball after a score by substituting one offensive play. The kicking team would attempt a 4thand15 from its 25yard line. This could be done a maximum of two times per game.

Also, owners are expected to drop the use of video reviews on pass interference after a oneyear trial that caused as many headaches as it solved issues.

Other rules changes that will be discussed include:

Making permanent the expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays and turnovers negated by a foul, and any successful or unsuccessful extrapoint attempt.

Providing the option to the defense for the game clock to start on the referee’s signal if the defense declines an offensive penalty that occurs late in either half.

Expanding the defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who is in possession of the ball but who has not had time to avoid or ward off the impending contact of an opponent.

Preventing teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple deadball fouls while the clock is running.

Gore speaks: Frank Gore faced media for the first time as a New York Jet on a Zoom call, saying at age 37 he’s nowhere near finished.

“I really don’t think about age,” said the former 49ers running back, who joined the Jets two weeks ago on a oneyear deal worth $1.05 million. “It’s the way I train. I love to stay around younger guys at the position, just to look at myself, to be honest with myself.”

Gore is No. 3 on the league’s career rushing list with 15,347 yards, behind only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton.

With the Jets, he will likely be behind Le’Veon Bell in a backfield that also will include rookie La’Mical Perine.

“I’m cool,” Gore said. “I’m happy to even be playing this game at my age. I’m happy that this organization gave me an opportunity.”

Player sues United: An NFL player is suing United Airlines, saying he was harassed and sexually assaulted by an intoxicated female passenger on a redeye flight in February.

The unidentified player said in a lawsuit that a woman sitting in the same row made sexual advances, reached inside the man’s jacket to caress his chest, then grabbed his crotch and ripped off his face mask that he was wearing as protection against the coronavirus.

Flight attendants gave the woman one verbal warning but ignored other requests to intervene when the harassment continued, the lawsuit said.