GREG Olsen has slammed the NFL’s decision to punish Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.
The 24-year-old was slapped with a penalty for a gesture made during the Rams‘ 33-26 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday.
Greg Olsen has slammed the Los Angeles Rams’ penalty[/caption]
Nacua had received a pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford, 37, late on during the third quarter.
Stafford’s pass helped the Rams advance to the Eagles’ 40-yard line on first down.
This was followed by Nacua spinning the ball on the floor, flexing his biceps, and then pointing forward.
Officials deemed this to be an infringement for taunting, with the Rams losing 15 of their 20 yards.
Commentator Olsen has slammed this decision during the Fox broadcast, believing that the referees got this decision wrong.
“You can spin the ball as long as it’s not in the direction of a defender,” Olsen said. “You can flex as long as it’s not directed at a defender.”
“I understand the spirit of the rule. In my mind, that was not it.”
NFL rules analyst Walt Anderson told The U.S. Sun that the NFL want players to celebrate more.
Celebrations that depict sexual or violent acts, including firearms and other weapons, are banned.
Additionally, an celebration that is deemed unsportsmanlike can be called back for a penalty.
Banned celebrations usually result in a 15-yard penalty.
This is what happened to Nacua as the Rams were sent back.
These guidelines have become central to the Nacua debate as officials seemingly made an incorrect call.
Nacua actually appeared to have been pointing towards the end zone, rather than any particular Eagles player.
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Additionally, the Eagles got away with another illegal Tush Push as the league faces pressure to ban the short-yard move.
This decision proved costly as the Rams turned the ball over four plays later.
The Super Bowl champions scored a touchdown late in the third quarter to draw closer.
DeVonta Smith, 26, caught a four-yard pass to score to finally put the Eagles one point ahead midway through the final quarter.
Defensive tackle Jordan Davis, 25, then scored from a blocked kick return to seal the victory.
Nacua’s penalty call ultimately proved to be a turning point for the Rams’ collapse.
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