Browns' Mayfield speechless after ref's explanation of helmet hit
After Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield took a hit to the helmet Sunday from Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead, referee Shawn Hochuli provided a puzzling explanation as to why the play was not penalized.
Hochuli said Mayfield was considered a runner and had not yet begun his slide, a statement that baffled the quarterback.
"No words," Mayfield said Wednesday, according to the Associated Press' Tom Withers. "Honestly. No words."
The No. 1 overall pick didn't hear Hochuli's explanation at the time, but still had questions once hearing the rationale behind the call.
"I thought that's why they put the rule in," Mayfield said. "But we'll see."
I love the explanation by Shawn Hochuli here:
— René Bugner (Rainbowcave) (@RNBWCV) October 22, 2018
» The Quarterback was still a runner and therefore is allowed to be hit in the head [...] «
The ruling on the Jordan Whitehead Tackle / Hit vs Baker Mayfield in the 4th quarter.pic.twitter.com/38pbsJTyiG
Mayfield slid at the end of his 35-yard run, and after his knee touched the ground, Whitehead collided with the quarterback's helmet.
A league source later told ESPN's Pat McManamon that the controversial hit should have been flagged.
The Browns went on to lose to the Bucs 26-23 in overtime.