Mitchell 2-gamed suspended for dirty play

[pennw]

What Mitchell did , happens pretty much every game by most teams . Our ball carrier got slammed back 5 yds after the whistle and dived upon by a few Calgary defenders after the Mitchell penalty , but Calgary got no penalty for the play . Maybe had Mitchell dove down on top of the ball carrier after pushing him backward like everyone else does it , he would not have got a penalty . But it was foolish for him to do so knowing he is under scrutiny .
Having said that I agree it was unnecessary roughness , but then so is it when anyone else slams ball carriers backward 5 yds after the whistle and should always be called consistently .

I agree that Reddicks hit looked real bad , unless of course it was as Johnhenry states , accidental . Didn't looked accidental to me though .

[WestCoastJoe]

Khalif's throwing the runner away penalty? Nada. Nice acting job by the runner too.

Reddick's hit on Glenn ... Glenn dropped like a sack of potatoes.

Question ... On a running play, if the QB blocks, can you hit him? Well that was a running play, and Glenn was between Reddick and the runner, are you allowed to hit him, because he could hit you with a block. It looked to me like Reddick did not really unload on Glenn, and Glenn dropped like a rock.

Question ... Running play, you are a D Lineman, chasing the play down the line, a receiver is in your way, not seeing you, can you blast him out of the way as you pursue the ballcarrier?

[TheLionKing]

The Mitchell play was a football play. See it all the time with no penalty. Mitchell got the penalty because he was under closer scrutiny this week.

[Blue In BC]

Mitchelll learned nothing from this experience. He took another Rough Play yesterday. Rough play does happen but it's the type of play that I question.

It was a selfish, unnecessary, undisiplined, foolish situation taking that extra effort to throw the RB to the ground on a play that was dead.

BTW: Was that Reddick that took a late run head / helmet first shot at Glenn. How did the refs miss calling that as a RP and what was Reddick thinking.

I would label both of those plays as dirty and unacceptable as a fan of any team. Especially a team I support.

The Bombers?

I cheer for the Lions anytime they aren't playing the Bombers. I go to Lions games in Vancouver and consider myself a long term supporter of the team.

Doesn't mean I like to see those situations occur.

[Blue In BC]

The Mitchell play was a football play. See it all the time with no penalty. Mitchell got the penalty because he was under closer scrutiny this week.

He is under scrutiny but rough play will be called on that 90 times out of 100 if not more.. I also call bull on using the excuse that Glenn was blocking for the running back. Reddick made no effort to tackle a running back. He launched at a QB after the ball was thrown. Yes you can knock a QB out of the way to make a tackle. This was not that. Glenn was not blocking either.

I didn't PVR the game so I can't replay it but this was a play which would normally get a RP penalty if the refs see it.

You can bookmark this post and let's see what your comments are next time somebody does that to Lulay and doesn't draw a penalty.

Anybody got video to look at in detail once again?

[notahomer]

The Mitchell play was a football play. See it all the time with no penalty. Mitchell got the penalty because he was under closer scrutiny this week.

He is under scrutiny but rough play will be called on that 90 times out of 100 if not more.. I also call bull on using the excuse that Glenn was blocking for the running back. Reddick made no effort to tackle a running back. He launched at a QB after the ball was thrown. Yes you can knock a QB out of the way to make a tackle. This was not that. Glenn was not blocking either.

I didn't PVR the game so I can't replay it but this was a play which would normally get a RP penalty if the refs see it.

You can bookmark this post and let's see what your comments are next time somebody does that to Lulay and doesn't draw a penalty.

Anybody got video to look at in detail once again?

WHEN, a similar play happens to Lulay I'll be screaming for a penalty. IMO, Reddick dodged a flag there......

It was one of those games. A hit many think deserves a flag (Dickenson sure did) but it almost lit a fire under Glenn. I think if anything it sharpened his focus but then his reciever lets him down by fumbling it away.....

[Toppy Vann]

The Mitchell play was a football play. See it all the time with no penalty. Mitchell got the penalty because he was under closer scrutiny this week.

He is under scrutiny but rough play will be called on that 90 times out of 100 if not more.. I also call bull on using the excuse that Glenn was blocking for the running back. Reddick made no effort to tackle a running back. He launched at a QB after the ball was thrown. Yes you can knock a QB out of the way to make a tackle. This was not that. Glenn was not blocking either.

I didn't PVR the game so I can't replay it but this was a play which would normally get a RP penalty if the refs see it.

You can bookmark this post and let's see what your comments are next time somebody does that to Lulay and doesn't draw a penalty.

Anybody got video to look at in detail once again?

WHEN, a similar play happens to Lulay I'll be screaming for a penalty. IMO, Reddick dodged a flag there......

It was one of those games. A hit many think deserves a flag (Dickenson sure did) but it almost lit a fire under Glenn. I think if anything it sharpened his focus but then his reciever lets him down by fumbling it away.....

I agree here. They have to protect the key assets in the CFL - espec. QBs. They are the canary in the cage in the league. Great QBs, great games, and more TV and media coverage and more fans in seats (ideally). You can more readily fine an Import LB who can play at a top level but the QBs are a different issue.

Incidental or not. It should be called and I can assume that it was due to the ball being long gone to the RB that led it to be missed.

Mitchell's play is going to be a focus all year the way they are dragging this out. The TSN video opens with this incident and how he can play until the hearing where I am sure he hopes to get it cut to one game which is the best he can hope for. However, the longer this drags out I am now thinking it will be 2 games for sure as the influence of public and media opinions on this seem to be 2 games. An arbitrator cannot help but see this stuff and know in the back of his mind that 2 games won't be seen as an outrage.

I didn't like the Mitchell seeming complete denial of anything wrong here but he does have an appeal process. But there is just something that makes me a little concerned that he hasn't understood the seriousness of this move here. That is not a good sign for the future as it leads to even more problems later on. I'd hate to see this guy ruin his career by getting into more incidents. Appeal yes as that is a smart move but then make sure you learn the lesson here and change some things in your head to avoid something like this in future.

[WestCoastJoe]

Not looking for an argument with this topic, looking for someone who has refereed, or really and truly knows the rule book, and the unwritten rules, the higher the level the better ...

I took a look at the Reddick hit on Glenn. Reddick lines him up, Glenn is looking away at the run. The referee is pretty close to Reddick and Glenn looking in their direction and past them towards the run. The ref shows up in the screen just after the hit on Glenn. It would have been hard for him to miss seeing it, it would seem.

If it was a penalty, then the ref missed it. But here is where I would like an expert opinion ... It seems to me that if Glenn had faced Reddick (I said if, hypothetical) and tried to block him, as happens sometimes with QBs on a running play, then I suppose Reddick can hit him, engage contact, as he goes on his way towards the play. The ref may have been unsure if that happened and only saw Glenn hit the ground. If Glenn had no intention to block Reddick, then I am thinking, whether it is written, or just by unwritten custom, that it is roughing to hit the QB unless he is clearly blocking for a run.

In a somewhat similar vein, on an interception, I am thinking that the defensive team can try to block the QB (Dickenson got one his concussions getting in the mess on an interception), and that it becomes a referee's decision if the blockers go too far. Landing on him, et cetera, or if the QB is just way out of the play. Some judgment there is involved. (Murphy told a funny story how on any interception, he was a marked man for a few blockers).

If I was called on to referee a scrimmage (not a game) between two junior high teams (or community teams), as has happened sometimes in the distant past, my inclination would be to call the Reddick type hit on Glenn roughing. But at this time, I ain't no expert on the details of some of these points. Same with the time clock. Mostly just a fan. Any referees here? Any experts on the rules, and reffing?

Haven't re looked at the Mitchell penalty on the running back. Not argueing with the call. But some of these calls are pure judgment, and Mitchell is under the gun. Some of these big running backs, if the play stops, and the tackler throws you away, you stay on your feet after the throwaway, and you go back to the huddle. Well Mitchell is a huge guy, and his throw ain't as little as some other guys.

I am not defending Reddick, if it should have been a penalty. And I am not defending Mitchell for the roughing penalty (If he had tried to throw Messam like that, Messam might only have gone three feet or so and been on his feet, or he might not even have been able to throw Messam, just push).

Hey, the Lions are my team, and I am going to look at their play in the best light I can. And if they are wrong, then pay the penalty.

Do I think we have suddenly become the dirtiest team in the league? I don't think so. Rough and tough? Yes. And Mitchell and Reddick are certainly rough and tough.

I don't think Benevides, nor Wally, wants anything to do with "dirty" players. I don't see Reddick nor Mitchell as being "dirty" players. It seems to me we shipped Jimenez out when his intent to injure became rather clear. And for that matter, I didn't consider Murphy dirty. To me dirty means you intend to injure other players.

[notahomer]

I don't think one has to be an expert on the rules and/or reffing to be a fan and share their opinion.

IMO, the Reddick hit on Glenn should have drawn a flag and if/when anything similar happens to Lulay (hope not ) I'll reserve the right to complain then too. I think the fact a flag wasn't thrown seemed to get Glenn going. I don't think the Lions are a 'dirty' team.

I have officiated other sporting events (NONE involving football). Its certainly not easy. Its even tougher, IMO, when it involves peers (people you know well outside of the sport).

[WestCoastJoe]

I don't think one has to be an expert on the rules and/or reffing to be a fan and share their opinion.

IMO, the Reddick hit on Glenn should have drawn a flag and if/when anything similar happens to Lulay (hope not ) I'll reserve the right to complain then too. I think the fact a flag wasn't thrown seemed to get Glenn going. I don't think the Lions are a 'dirty' team.

I have officiated other sporting events (NONE involving football). Its certainly not easy. Its even tougher, IMO, when it involves peers (people you know well outside of the sport).

Of course all opinions are welcome, Notahomer. As a non expert myself, I was hoping we might have some near expert to shed some light also, along with the non experts.

[Blue In BC]

A defensive player can aways engage a blocker even if it's the QB. The issue is that he didn't engage a blocker he ear holed him.

I'd like to see the video but it appeared that this was a helmet to helmet contact, intended or otherwise. On a QB that has thrown or about to throw a pass, that is a RP penalty.

IMO, it was late and intended as a hit rather than any shedding of a block or assuming a pass with in the process.

Penalties get missed all the time. That is an issue in itself.

My only feeling is that I hope this was unintentional and we don't see it happen on a regular basis.

Unfortunately my immediate reaction was it was intentional. I know I can't read minds butI've played enough football and watched enough football to form an informed opinion. As a Lion fan I am not showing any bias towards Calgary.

Just don't want to see players hit in a non football way. A dirty play if that's a better descripion.

The good news is taht Glenn was not seriously injured. I wouldn't be surprised if Reddick gets a fine once the league revies game film

[WestCoastJoe]

A defensive player can aways engage a blocker even if it's the QB. The issue is that he didn't engage a blocker he ear holed him.

I'd like to see the video but it appeared that this was a helmet to helmet contact, intended or otherwise. On a QB that has thrown or about to throw a pass, that is a RP penalty.

IMO, it was late and intended as a hit rather than any shedding of a block or assuming a pass with in the process.

Penalties get missed all the time. That is an issue in itself.

My only feeling is that I hope this was unintentional and we don't see it happen on a regular basis.

Unfortunately my immediate reaction was it was intentional. I know I can't read minds butI've played enough football and watched enough football to form an informed opinion. As a Lion fan I am showing any bias towards Calgary.

Just don't want to see players hit in a non football way. A dirty play if that's a better descripion.

The good news is taht Glenn was not seriously injured. I wouldn't be surprised if Reddick gets a fine once the league revies game film

The tape is available on TSN archive broadband, where I saw it.

Didn't look like helmet to helmet. Reddick's shoulder appears to hit Glenn's shoulder. Reddick clearly knew Glenn was not blocking, but was just in his way, so he ran over him, shouldered him. So I dunno ...

The angle does look like the referee was close to the contact looking in that direction, with the running play farther in the background. It was a running play, not a passing play.

If a league review penalizes Reddick I do fear that we are going to be getting a reputation as a dirty team. Probably already have it. By the way, is there a CFL team with a "clean" reputation? LOL

[notahomer]

...
The good news is taht Glenn was not seriously injured. I wouldn't be surprised if Reddick gets a fine once the league revies game film

If anything it seemed to make him focussed. Those kinds of events seem to cause different reactions in different players/teams. Some retaliate, which usually leads to actual penalties. Or people go out of their way to hit the guy the rest of the game. But, I think the smart ones file it away and it almost seems to give them that little bit extra to play well. Like that hit by a Canuck seemed to wake up the entire Boston Bruins bench during the Stanley Cup finals. Quarterbacks are probably the player most fans would get upset if there is a question about the legitimacy of the hit. I do get to watch old football games due to this era of cable television. Old CFL, NFL and NCAA. IMO, there is no question the rules regarding hits on QB's has changed dramatically. Doesn't really apply to the Reddick/Glenn hit but there are times you see a game from the 80's or 90's and think "WHERE'S THE FLAG" but I have to remind myself, they are not yet playing by todays rules.....

[Blue In BC]

It is wasn't helmet to helmet that's a good thing. If it was late which it initially appeared, he will be subject to a possible fine.

The NFL does that all the time in order to create an environment to protect the QB's in particular. There have been times when a player has been fined for a hit on a non QB even though an in game penalty was not called.

I don't want to over police game film, but I do think steps can and will be taken to make the game as safe as possible from unneccesary risks.

[WestCoastJoe]

Took another look at the Reddick play. It is a handoff and fake bootleg by Glenn also (not a convincing fake, but it was there IMO). Pretending to have the ball but looking at the running back. Boom ... That complicates it a bit more it seems to me. And the running back was still going at the time of the hit. Don't know how it will be ruled, if it was even reported to the league, but I would guess Reddick thought it was a legal hit. Or that he thought he could get away with it, as borderline. Dare I say it? Is that a Miami Hurricanes play? Dunno ...

If a QB hands off but fakes that he has kept the ball, that is a shadow area of being legal to hit, IMO. In a league game, that happened to us. Fake handoff, our D End was afraid to hit the QB in the back. It was a helluva good fake. And then the QB pivots and sprints around our D End. Me shouting that he had the ball did not help. LOL

I am guessing that Miami may have had a policy, if the QB fakes that he has it, hit him.