Expert: Thom Brooks - 7/6/2008

Question
Was "the catch" by Tyrone Prothro really a catch? And what rule makes it a catch? My husband is convienced it was not a catch because the ball touched the ground and he made no football move. Please explain this to me.

Answer
Karla, hello!

Yes, it was absolutely a catch for the touchdown!  He controlled the ball and even if they both would have had their hands on the ball the tie would go to the receiver in that event.  Had he lost the ball when he hit the ground, then the officials could have ruled that he never had possession............ but even that would have been a judgement call.  The officals met and made the correct call.

Take care,

Thom Brooks
One of the awesome football officals