(Video) Jalen Hurts ‘furious’ after referee gives penalty for spiking the ball in celebration

Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles could not believe the referees penalized them 15 yards for a spike celebration.

(Video) Jalen Hurts ‘furious’ after referee gives penalty for spiking the ball in celebration

Jalen Hurts (Image via IMAGO)

The NFL referees found themselves in the spotlight early on Monday when the Philadelphia Eagles played the Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was left red-faced by a decision that divided opinions.

Seven minutes into the second quarter, the Eagles had the ball around the Falcons’ 45-yard mark. The Eagles came into the game without ace receiver AJ Brown, and for that reason, Hurts looked to run the ball at every chance he got.

YouTube video

He did the same on this occasion and secured a first down. Hurts was pumped because of the play and spiked the ball hard onto the ground. The referee did not waste any time and threw a penalty marker on the ground.

FS Video

The Eagles looked confused, and rightfully so. Initially, it seemed the refs stopped the clock because of a false start, but they announced a different reason. According to them, Jalen Hurts spiked the ball while the game was still in motion, resulting in a 15-yard penalty.

It mattered less as Hurts threw a 7-yard dart to DeVonta Smith to secure the first touchdown of the game on the same drive. The Eagles took a 7-3 lead until the Falcons scored a field goal to reduce the gap to one point.

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Why did the referee flag Jalen Hurts for spiking the ball?

Spiking the ball is a common celebration for players when they score a touchdown. The key word here is a touchdown. It’s hard to forget for any football fan of Rob Gronkowski’s famous spike celebrations after every touchdown.

(Video) Jalen Hurts furious after referee gives penalty for spiking the ball in celebration
Jalen Hurts (Image via IMAGO)

Jalen Hurts’ case was different because he spiked it when the play clock was active, resulting in the violation of the league’s celebration rule. According to the NFL Rule Book‘s, 6th article titled ‘Delay of the game’, any action outside of a play is to be considered a delay of the clock.

Spiking or throwing the ball in the field of play after a down has ended, except after a score.
the rule reads
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Players can spike during celebrations but when the clock is still running

The players were allowed to celebrate until 2007, but the league committee imposed strict rules and banned it. NBC Sports spoke with NFL senior V.P. of officiating Dean Blandino, who provided a detailed explanation of what the players are not allowed to do.

Anything that mimics a violent act, including slashing the throat, shooting guns, and shooting arrows, whether directed at an opponent or not; (2) s**ually suggestive dancing; (2) choreographed celebrations; (3) excessive celebrations; (4) prolonged celebrations; (5) spiking or spinning the ball at an opponent; (6) going to the ground; (7) using the ball as a prop; and (8) using any other props.
NBC Sports wrote

When asked the reason behind such elaborate bans, Blandino replied that it’s a necessary deterrent to prevent further escalation.

If we let this go, it will continue to grow and certain players will continue to try to outdo each other, and then it leads to other things.
Dean Blandino said

So going by the book, the referee adjudged the situation correctly by imposing a 15-yard penalty on the Eagles and Jalen Hurts.