No Halo - Chris Sanders

[H-E-B Mustang]

A couple of interesting items in yesterday's DMN:

1. The NCAA repealed the "Halo Rule." You know, the rule that required tacklers covering a punt to remain outside of a 2-yard cushion (halo) around an opposing player attempting to field the punt. The rule had become controversial and was enforced inconsistently. Originally, it was a 5-yard penalty, but had been increased to a 10-yard penalty. But, it was a judgment call for officials, who could still assess a 15-yard penalty for flagrant hits. With its repeal, now interfering with a player attempting to catch a punt is a 15-yard penalty. Without the halo it is now up to the return man to decide whether he can safely field a punt. Coach Bennett said that it was a smart move to repeal the rule.

2. Former SMU quarterback Chris Sanders signed with the AFL's Buffalo Destroyers.

[PerunaPunch]

Thank goodness!
That Halo rule stunk. Seemed like we got flagged for it every time we even looked at the punt returner last year.

[ponyte]

The halo rule was crazy. It is one thing to have a judgment call like pass interference where contact occurs. It is another thing to have a rule where contact doesn't occur.

It is, after all, football, which is a hitting sport. So let the boys hit.

[FloridaMustang]

Amen...what a ridiculous rule it was.