The NFL's strict enforcement of taunting penalties has drawn harsh criticism through the first half of the season. And on Monday night, the subjective rule sparked controversy at an inopportune moment.
In the Pittsburgh Steelers' 29-27 win over the Chicago Bears at Heinz Field, official Tony Corrente flagged Bears linebacker Cassius Marsh for taunting after completing a sack of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on a third-and-long late in the fourth quarter. As a result of the penalty, the Steelers' drive continued, and it ended with a field goal, increasing their lead to 26-20.
"If you're telling me that you want these players to go out and give it their all -- maximum speed and maximum effort -- but then remove the emotional side of the game, it'd never happen," CBS Sports HQ analyst Bryant McFadden told The Zach Gelb Show on Tuesday. "What we saw Monday with Marsh, staring the sideline down -- didn't say anything verbally -- that warranted a flag, that was one of the more bogus calls I've seen regarding taunting in my life...
"Players do so much, as far as preparation -- mentally, physically, massages, film study, weight room time, conditioning time -- just to be able to have that one play be made when it's time to make that play. All of the prep that goes into making that one game-changing play happens, and you're telling me that I can't show any emotion? I'm not trying to degrade anyone that I'm playing against. I'm celebrating the play, I'm celebrating the process..."
After Marsh sacked Roethlisberger, he did a spinning jump-kick in celebration, took steps toward the Steelers' sideline, and then jogged back to the Bears' side of the field. Video replay also showed Corrente reaching for his flag and making contact with Marsh before calling the foul. While talking to reporters, Marsh accused Corrente of "hip-checking" him during the incident.
Corrente addressed the penalty to a pool reporter, explaining that taunting is "a point of emphasis this year" and he believed Marsh's posture and action toward Pittsburgh's sideline warranted the flag. Corrente also mentioned that his brief contact with Marsh had nothing to do with the taunting penalty.
If Corrente didn't throw his flag, Pittsburgh would've been forced to punt near midfield, up by three points with under four minutes remaining. Following that controversial drive, Chicago orchestrated its own 75-yard touchdown drive, and took a 27-26 lead. On the ensuing possession, Pittsburgh marched down the field once again, drilling the game-winning field goal with 26 seconds left.
The entire NFL conversation between McFadden and Gelb can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow The Zach Gelb Show on Twitter @ZachGelb and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.