College football fans don't love the targeting rule. While the letter of law makes sense and it is definitely a good idea to promote player safety, the interpretation and implementation of the targeting penalty has been a grand source of outrage and bewilderment across the country since the moment the rules arrived.
With that said, the (relative) nightmare could be making its way into the professional ranks, albeit in a slightly different form. Troy Vincent, a former Pro Bowl defensive back and the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, took to Twitter to let the world know that the league is weighing the potential addition of targeting-like penalties.
The Committee is also exploring ways — including considering immediate ejections or suspensions — to take dangerous hits out of our game
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) March 21, 2017
If this were to take place, it would come with a preemptive warning and with examples of what to avoid.
We'll communicate this to our coaches and players with video examples of flagrant hits that may result in ejection or suspension
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) March 21, 2017
Given the lack of full context here, it is important to note that nothing is set in stone and that this appears to be (very) preliminary in nature. Still, the idea that the NFL would add yet another rule that is difficult to interpret seems like a potential problem for a league that is already battling the "what is a catch?" landscape on a weekly basis.
It will be intriguing to see how quickly this type of legislation moves.
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