The NFL will look deeper into the controversial kick return on Thanksgiving that was influenced by Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin standing on the field, according to Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports.
Mike Tomlin’s sideline interference being investigated by NFL
The NFL will look deeper at the controversial kick return between the Steelers and Ravens.
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James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Tomlin was looking at the M&T Bank Field video board while Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones was running down the sideline on a third quarter kick return. The Steelers coach jumped off the field before the player reached him, but Jones had already altered his path which may have contributed to him being tackled.
If the two made contact there’s a chance field officials could have ruled it a touchdown due to Tomlin’s interference but ultimately no penalty was called on the play. It’s unclear whether the coach intentionally tried to interfere with Jones, but it seems improbable he was unaware of his position -- especially in light of him staring at the stadium’s screen.
It’s unclear what kind of penalty Tomlin or the Steelers could sustain if the league determines he altered the play intentionally. The outcome of the game wasn’t impacted by the return, but there could be larger repercussions if an already close AFC playoff race is determines for points for and against.
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