Understanding Hard-Hitting Rules

[mlmpetert]

Originally Posted by Jontrem

"leading with your helmet" was called spearing when I played and was a 15 yard penalty. I am pretty sure it is a 15 yarder in the NFL

From the link you provided:

A tackler using his helmet to butt, spear, or ram an opponent.

I dont think Robinson was guilty of any of the above. And like i said above thats probably why his fine cited the defenseless receiver rule, not the helmet to helmet rule.

I havent had time to look up the official rules, but the summary page doesnt really help in debating the nuances of the rules; which is why i created this thread since the NFL seems to use nuances of rules when fining or cracking down on big time hits.