At least one NFL team has asked the league's competition
committee to study the use of a penalty box -- similar to the one
used by the NHL -- "for players who deliver dangerous hits to a
quarterback." NFL Communications Dir Greg Aiello confirmed that
the proposal had been made, and noted that the idea has been
discussed in the committee before. "But it has never made it out
... for a discussion by the team owners." Aiello, on the latest
proposal: "It would be for flagrant hits on the quarterback, but
not for other penalties. It would have to be determined how long
a player would spend in the penalty box. Whether it's for a
specific amount of time or a certain number of plays." What is
not known, is whether a team would be allowed to replace that
player on the field, or play short-handed. Several quarterbacks
have missed all or part of games this season with concussions.
But only one player has been fined for a flagrant hit on a
quarterback (Timothy Smith, N.Y. TIMES, 11/29).
THE IMPLEMENTER? NFL Dir of Football Development Gene
Washington is profiled in USA TODAY. Part of Washington's job is
setting the amount a player should be fined for certain rule
violations (USA TODAY, 11/29).
