Replay rule no longer will be under review
PHOENIX -- NFL owners voted yesterday to make instant replay permanent, the most significant rule change adopted during the second day of the annual league meetings at the Arizona Biltmore.
"It's an accepted part of our game, it's what we are," said Rich McKay, co-chairman of the Competition Committee. "Everyone has gone to the idea that we have this technology, so why not use it? There wasn't that much discussion about it."
The vote was 30-2, with the Bengals and Cardinals opposing. As part of the measure, teams will upgrade equipment in their stadiums to high definition.
Owners also passed a rule that allows assistant coaches on Super Bowl teams a second window to interview for head coaching jobs, during the off week after the conference championship games.
Meanwhile, a proposal that would allow one defensive player to have a communication device in his helmet was defeated, 22-10. Patriots coach Bill Belichick did not favor that proposal.
More proposals will be voted on today, one of which is to move the kickoff in overtime from the 30- to the 35-yard line, a move designed to lessen the chance that the team that receives the overtime kickoff wins.
"I can't say I'm overly confident about that," McKay said. "I can't say the membership has a big appetite for it."
McKay also touched on the idea of playing overtime without sudden death, a scenario that Belichick prefers.
"Length of game is definitely a concern," McKay said. "Those games that go on and on create problems in our mind for potential for injury risk."
A proposal submitted by the Bears to increase game-day rosters from 45 to 47 is also on the table, as is a long-shot rule, submitted by the Buccaneers, to make all penalties except holding reviewable on instant replay. A vote also will be taken on instituting a 5-yard penalty for spiking the ball on the field of play.
The 49ers withdrew their proposal to make pass interference a 15-yard penalty unless deemed flagrant.
Both players have had multiple run-ins with the law, and could face suspensions.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher is pleased Goodell is stepping in.
"The organization is very much in favor of the commissioner's involvement, and we are just waiting to see what direction he goes," said Fisher. "His involvement brings some accountability to the discipline program and accountability to what we decide to do."
Jones has been interviewed by police regarding 10 incidents since 2005. Most recently, Las Vegas police recommended that prosecutors file charges against him for a strip club fight and shooting Feb. 19.
Fisher said he spoke with Jones after the Las Vegas incident.
"He is very disappointed in what's happened," said Fisher. "I know he thinks he has let the city, fans, teammates, and organization down. He is just waiting to see how this unfolds, what happens."
