Bradley Chubb, the star pass rusher for the Miami Dolphins, was hit with a critical penalty during Monday Night Football’s 28-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Prior to the Dolphins blowing a 27-13 lead against the Titans with less than three minutes remaining in the game, Chubb’s penalty was called.
In the process, the 27-year-old linebacker who has played in two NFL Pro Bowls was unlucky enough to be the victim of a little-known penalty rule.
Titans quarterback Will Levis gained five yards after dodging a sack attempt by Chubb during a third-and-10 play in the second quarter, when the Dolphins were leading 7-0.
As Tennessee prepared to attempt a 42-yard field goal with kicker Nick Folk, Levis was tackled by Chubb and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
But when the play ended, a furious Chubb removed his helmet and slammed it against the ground while still on the field.
The officials raised the penalty flag after observing the incident.
Chubb received a personal foul for unsportsmanlike conduct worth fifteen yards.
Derrick Henry, the Titans’ running back, found the end zone two plays after the team was awarded the first down.
Miami would later lose its home game against Tennessee, 28–27.
Nevertheless, there were many responses from fans to the little-known rule penalty that Chubb was given.
“The Dolphins lost the game because of that penalty,” someone said.
“I mean, you just can’t do that,” someone else wrote.
“One of the worst unnecessary penalties I’ve seen this year.”
“I’d bench Chubb for the rest of the game for that,” said a third.
There were less than three minutes remaining in the primetime game when the Dolphins blew a 27-13 lead.
In the final minutes of the game, Levis and Henry both scored touchdowns.
Tyreek Hill’s ankle injury in the first quarter of the game altered the appearance of Miami’s offense.
Despite playing just 32 snaps, the seven-time Pro Bowler managed four catches for 61 yards.
The Dolphins, who are currently 9-4, will take on the New York Jets in Week 15 on Sunday.
