This week, the NFL competition committee moved toward proposing a rule to penalize so-called “hip-drop” tackles with 15 yards and an automatic first down. But it does not sound like the players are in support of this decision.
On Wednesday, the NFL Players Association released a statement in response to the proposed rule change, making it clear that they do not want the NFL to institute this change.
“The players oppose any attempt by the NFL to implement a rule prohibiting a ‘swivel hip-drop’ tackle,” the NFLPA said in a statement. “While the NFLPA remains committed to improvements to our game with health and safety in mind, we cannot support a rule change that causes confusion for us as players, for coaches, for officials and especially, for fans. We call on the NFL, again, to reconsider implementing this rule.”
The “hip-drop” tackle has been deemed dangerous by many decision-makers in the NFL as a result of the lower body injuries it causes. But players seem to think that a ban on the tackle would lead to confusion and would make the game all the more difficult for defensive players – like many other rule changes over the year.
We’ll have to see whether or not the rule change is approved.
[NFLPA]
