Jamaal Charles Crown Of Helmet Hit Ruled Legal By NFL

Today is not Jackie Battle’s day. Hours after being fined by the NFL for lowering his helmet into Texans safety Daniel Manning, a similar hit by Jamaal Charles during on Thursday night football has been ruled legal.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles will not be fined by the NFL for using the crown of his helmet to hit Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks. Charles was not flagged for the hit, and the NFL says the refs got the call right.

Dean Blandino, the NFL’s head of officiating, said Charles hit was legal because it took place inside the tackle box. Jackie Battle wasn’t flagged for his hit either, but he was ruled to be outside of the tackle box upon league review.

In his explanation, Blandino defined the tackle box as being, “tackle to tackle and [up to] three yards beyond the line of scrimmage.” He then explained why Charles hit was legal because, “the ball was snapped at the 28-yard line and this contact is going to occur right at three yards. It’s right at the 31. It’s just at the outside edge of the tackle box, and so this contact inside the tackle box is legal.”

The crown of helmet rule has been controversial since the NFL passed it during the offseason. It’s designed to help protect running backs from using their head as a weapon, and possibly injuring themselves. A number of players, current and retired, have come out and publicly slammed the rule.

The NFL stands by it’s decision to pass the rule. Here is Broncos running back Montee Ball discussing the rule with Larry King:

Leading with the crown of the helmet has become instinct for a number of running backs. It’s used as a way to brace for impact, or even deflect the impact of an oncoming defender. From the early looks of the 2013 season, the NFL still has a long way to go to get rid of the dangerous play.

Do you think Jamaal Charles crown of helmet hit was legal? Should Jackie Battle be upset with the league if it isn’t?

[image via Wikimedia Commons]