(S32) PT 5 - Bad Call

[Mojojojo]

Since the founding of the young franchise, one of the mainstays of the Sarasota Sailfish has been its solid defense. With pro-bowl players at all positions from the defensive line to the secondary, the defensive unit has been dubbed “Blue Crush” for how it chews up offenses that try to drive against it. And Blue Crush typically plays a clean game, with many veterans being role models for penalty-free coverage. And while, like any team, players may be flagged hear of there for being overly aggressive at the line of scrimmage (offsides or neutral zone infraction) or for playing a bit too tight on the receiver (defensive holding or the occasional pass interference), the team is known for avoiding the “nasty” penalties such as roughing the passer, face mask, and other unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. So it came as a shock when linebacker Ernest Lover was called for a taunting penalty in the S32 week 4 matchup against Chicago. Ernest, usually one to keep his cool, was furious with the call since the opposing offensive player had started the verbal altercation after gaining a critical first down. Quick thinking and stoic Cuco Clemente had to come over and calm Ernest down, reminding him that referees can’t catch all the and the defense rallied to get the stop. And Ernest was able to play hard and clean the rest of the game, putting up 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass defended in the team’s 33-10 away victory.