[cardcrimson]

The key was that Higgins had his knee down, so he was considered “defenseless”.  The same play, while Higgins was not down, would have been legal, because it wasn’t with the crown of the helmet, and the defender didn’t launch.  But once the offensive player is considered “defenseless”, all you need for targeting is “forceful contact to the head or neck area”.

BC

Been away from this nail baiter, sorry for the late reply, but he's knee was down for a spilt second, at least it appeared that way. No matter, just trying to make heads or tails of an ambiguous rule. . ..

[cardcrimson]

The key was that Higgins had his knee down, so he was considered “defenseless”.  The same play, while Higgins was not down, would have been legal, because it wasn’t with the crown of the helmet, and the defender didn’t launch.  But once the offensive player is considered “defenseless”, all you need for targeting is “forceful contact to the head or neck area”.

BC

Been away from this nail baiter, sorry for the late reply, but he's knee was down for a spilt second, at least it appeared that way. No matter, just trying to make heads or tails of an ambiguous rule. . ..