Fans Slam Officials for Bizarre Penalty on Giants RB Skattebo

WHO:

CBS Sports - Giants running back Cam Skattebo said he would keep his running style and accept flags or fines rather than change it.

CBS Sports - Houston tight end Foster Moreau was the only other offensive player penalized for lowering his helmet before Skattebo, for a tackle on a punt return.

Sportskeeda - New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo was involved in the play that drew a penalty.

Sportskeeda - John Harbaugh reacted angrily after the penalty.

Pro Football Network - NFL fans criticized the officiating after Cam Skattebo was penalized.

WHAT:

CBS Sports - Skattebo’s penalty cost the Giants 15 yards.

CBS Sports - Before the penalty, officials had thrown four flags that season for lowering helmets; only one had been against an offensive player.

CBS Sports - Skattebo rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries in the Giants’ 26-21 overtime win over Houston.

CBS Sports - Skattebo had no touches in Week 6.

Newsweek - Cam Skattebo called out the NFL after receiving an unnecessary-roughness penalty.

Fox News - Skattebo’s contact with the Texans defender was described as a “crushing” hit during a routine run.

Sportskeeda - Skattebo was flagged for unnecessary roughness while playing against the Houston Texans.

Sportskeeda - The article says the penalty was for Skattebo lowering his head into contact.

Pro Football Network - Skattebo was called for unnecessary roughness while running the ball.

Sportskeeda - The article’s headline quotes fans calling it the “Worst call in the history” and saying “Leagues going soft.”

Pro Football Network - The headline quotes fans describing the call as “This Is Just Bizarre” and the “Softest Call I’ve Ever Seen,” and calling the reason “Ridiculous.”

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - The game was against the Houston Texans.

WHEN:

Newsweek - The penalty occurred during the Giants’ Week 7 game.

WHY:

Fox News - The penalty followed Skattebo lowering his helmet and trucking a Houston Texans defender.

Sportskeeda - The stated reason for the unnecessary-roughness flag was Skattebo lowering his head into contact.

Pro Football Network - Fans criticized the penalty because Skattebo was penalized while running the ball.

HOW:

CBS Sports - Asked if he would change his running style, Skattebo said: “The NFL loves to post me when I do stuff like that but then also wants to take stuff from me,” and “I'm going to run the ball like I want to run the ball. If I'm going to continue to get flags for it or fined for it, guess I'm going to play for free.”

Fox News - The controversial unnecessary-roughness flag left Harbaugh perplexed.

Sportskeeda - Officials assessed the penalty as unnecessary roughness.

Pro Football Network - The penalty was called while Skattebo was carrying the ball.

Giants running back Cam Skattebo was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness after lowering his head into contact with a Houston Texans defender during the Giants’ Week 7 game. The call drew criticism from fans and left coach John Harbaugh perplexed, while Skattebo said he would keep running his way and accept flags or fines rather than change his style. He rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries as New York beat Houston 26 to 21 in overtime.