Nigel Maynard

Don’t let this current targeting debate distract you from the fact that we need different levels of targeting! Similar to levels of flagrant fouls in basketball, 2-min minor vs 5-min major in hockey, or even running into vs. roughing the kicker in football. We can debate all day long if that Texas/ASU one was targeting or not. I completely see both sides. At the end of the day, defenders can’t predict where ball carriers put their helmet on bang-bang plays. Texas defender didn’t clearly lead with the crown here. Very close, but I can see him leading with his facemask here (which is exactly what you want — just facemask on the ball, not facemask on facemask, which again I go back to he can’t predict where the opponent’s is going to be on such a bang-bang play). Bottom line is we need: - 5 yd targeting penalty for incidental contact to the head - 15 yd penalty, no ejection, for leading with crown - 15 yd & ejection for clear intent (launching + lead with crown + contact to head) I’d argue this Texas/ASU one should’ve been a 5-yarder