Expert: Thom Brooks - 8/29/2008

Question
if the player/defender holds the ball or touches the ball in D then what would be the rafree's decision.

Answer
Ammar, hello!

I'm not certain of your question......  but,  

If a defender holds the ball after the play, and does not give it to the Official, it is an Unsportsmanlike Penalty.  15 yards and the clock stops.  If the player disrupts the time of the game in any way, it would be another 15 yard Unsporstsmanlike, plus that player would be disqualified.

Are you talking about if the player interferes with the snap of the ball (before it is snapped to the Quarterback)?  Give me a particular play and I'll give you the Official's decision.

Take care,


Thom Brooks