NFL Referees Share New Penalty Tip Line Number
NEW YORK—NFL referees announced Monday they had started a new tip line to which penalties could be reported, part of an effort to streamline the video review process and provide an opportunity for fans to help with the enforcement of rules. “Starting today, we will have a dedicated team of volunteers standing by to collect any information you may have about chop blocks, pass interference, or a delay of game,” said referee Brad Hussey, emphasizing that tips would remain anonymous to protect the identity of those who witness and report potential game-changing infractions such as unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct. “We take the integrity of football very seriously, which is why we ask for your help in bringing pass interference violators to justice. Any successful tip that results in a defender being ejected from the game comes with a reward of a free meal voucher at the stadium of your choice. We ask that if you or anyone you know has observed a neutral zone infraction, please call 1-800-OFFSIDE.” At press time, the penalty tip line was down after reportedly being overwhelmed with calls from drunk fathers claiming to have witnessed a false start.