Holmes’ Super Bowl-winning catch comes with a price

[ChrisG]

WTF IF THE NFL THINKING?


I really hate the morons running the NFL. 10K for throwing the ball in the air? Next they will be fining the goal post slamdunk...maybe even fine players for smiling

Before the NFL shifts its focus to this week’s scouting combine in Indianapolis, there still is one final matter to address from Super Bowl XLIII.

Let history show that Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes‘ six-yard, game-winning touchdown catch in Super Bowl XLIII cost him $10,000.

Within the past few days, Holmes received notification from the NFL that the league was fining him $10,000 for using the ball as a prop, a league source said Wednesday.

Moments after Holmes reeled in the pass, dragged his feet and scored the decisive touchdown during a 27-23 Steelers victory, the Steelers wide receiver impersonated LeBron James and tossed the football in the air the way James does chalk dust.

Though Holmes’ violation did not draw a 15-yard penalty that could have been crucial for Arizona, the league admitted it was reviewing the Steelers wide receiver’s transgression. And once it did, it found that he violated the rule for using the ball as a prop.

When replays of Holmes catch are shown in the decades to come, it also should be noted that officials missed a call that cost the Steelers wide receiver $10,000 and the Cardinals 15 yards that they could have used on an attempted game-winning drive.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/18/holm...-with-a-price/

[4Texans]

I'm sure he was glad to pay the fine to the No Fun League.

[Specnatz]

If this was the regular season it would have been the fine and the refs on the field would have given the Steelers a 15 yard penalty. I see nothing wring with the them trying to be consistent. The rule states you can not use the ball as a prop and that is what he did.

[Blake]

Originally Posted by Specnatz

If this was the regular season it would have been the fine and the refs on the field would have given the Steelers a 15 yard penalty. I see nothing wring with the them trying to be consistent. The rule states you can not use the ball as a prop and that is what he did.

Thats exactly what I was thinking when it happened. Where was the 15 yarder for using the ball as a prop?

[infantrycak]

He blatantly violated a clear rule (whether it should be a rule is an entirely different discussion) and frankly the refs completely botched it by not flagging it for 15 yards giving the Cards a much, much better shot at winning the game. On the two most important plays of the game (clear clip/tackle actually to spring Harrison and clear prop violation), the refs botched it. Great game--horrible officiating.

[TimeKiller]

Great game
Horrible officiating
Stupid rule

[TEXANS84]

Ok, so where is the fine on Harrison then?

[GuerillaBlack]

Originally Posted by TEXANS84

Ok, so where is the fine on Harrison then?

This happens all the time in the art of punt blocking. The swinging arm motion was out of line, but he hit him palm first and not closed fist. Also, why would Harrison let the player get up and make a play downfield?

[TEXANS84]

Originally Posted by GuerillaBlack

This happens all the time in the art of punt blocking. The swinging arm motion was out of line, but he hit him palm first and not closed fist. Also, why would Harrison let the player get up and make a play downfield?

If it happens all the time, why was there a unsportsman-like penalty assessed?

[HoustonFrog]

Originally Posted by infantrycak

He blatantly violated a clear rule (whether it should be a rule is an entirely different discussion) and frankly the refs completely botched it by not flagging it for 15 yards giving the Cards a much, much better shot at winning the game. On the two most important plays of the game (clear clip/tackle actually to spring Harrison and clear prop violation), the refs botched it. Great game--horrible officiating.

Word!

[GuerillaBlack]

Originally Posted by TEXANS84

If it happens all the time, why was there a unsportsman-like penalty assessed?

Why?

Originally Posted by GuerillaBlack

This happens all the time in the art of punt blocking. The swinging arm motion was out of line, but he hit him palm first and not closed fist. Also, why would Harrison let the player get up and make a play downfield?

That's why.