Steelers supporters express anger following Tony Romo’s allegation against Franco Harris regarding the illegal batting regulation.
During an unexpected twist in the Divisional Round playoff match between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, CBS Sports announcer Tony Romo sparked controversy with comments involving legendary Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris. Romo’s erroneous comparison of an illegal batting call during the game to a play associated with Harris triggered widespread outrage among Steelers fans. In a critical juncture of the high-stakes playoff game, a key moment occurred when the Bills encountered a fumble early in the first drive. Tight end Dalton Kincaid demonstrated swift thinking and keen instincts by intervening to prevent the Chiefs from recovering the loose ball.
Kincaid’s choice to bat the ball out of bounds showcased quick thinking, yet it carried a notable consequence. The move resulted in a penalty for illegal batting, a rule explicitly detailed in the NFL rulebook. This regulation leaves no ambiguity, prohibiting players from intentionally batting the ball forward towards their opponent to gain an unfair advantage.
Following this violation, the Bills incurred a 10-yard penalty, introducing further complexity to the game’s dynamics. However, it was Romo’s commentary that captured viewers’ attention and sparked controversy. In the broadcast, Romo’s comment stirred surprise and frustration among Steelers fans. He inaccurately associated the illegal batting rule with Harris, implying that Harris had been involved in its formulation.
