Referee explains why he ejected Detroit Lions’ Jamie Collins

Detroit Lions practice facility in Allen Park transforms from play to meetings in this 2020 timelapse video. Wochit

NFL referee Alex Kemp said he ejected Detroit Lions linebacker Jamie Collins because he was applying a strict interpretation of a league rule that prohibits players from having unnecessary contact with a game official.

Collins slowly headbutted Kemp in the chest with 12:16 left in the second quarter of the Lions’ 27-23 loss to the Chicago Bears.  It happened after a run play and Collins appeared to be demonstrating what had happened to him.

Kemp said players are allowed to touch officials in a friendly manner, but he viewed Collins’ actions as unnecessary.

“No, players are allowed to touch officials, put a hand on your shoulder, or something of that nature,” Kemp said, according to a pool report. “But unnecessary contact with a game official — it’s Rule 12-3-1-E — covers unnecessary contact to a game official. So, that’s what I went with.”

Detroit Lions outside linebacker Jamie Collins (58) walks off the field after being ejected during first half of the season opener against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020.

 (Photo: Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)

Rule 12-3-1-E reads: “Unnecessary physical contact with a game official. Under no circumstance is a player allowed to shove, push, or strike an official in an offensive, disrespectful, or unsportsmanlike manner. The player shall be disqualified from the game.”

Kemp immediately threw a penalty flag. After the officials met for a lengthy discussion, an unsportsmanlike penalty was assessed and Collins was disqualified.

Here is the rest of the pool reporter’s interview with Kemp.

Question: Did you think he was trying to explain what had happened on the prior play, or does that not matter either?

Kemp: “No, I judged it as unnecessary, so I called a foul.” 

Question: Did that call for an immediate ejection?

Kemp: “I decided to eject the player.” 

Question: Could you have just called an unsportsmanlike penalty?

Kemp: “Not with his actions, unfortunately.” 

Question: So, the ejection was because he touched you, and you can’t rule on intent?

Kemp: “I ruled unnecessary contact.”

According to Pro-Football-Reference.com, Collins has never been disqualified from a game in eight previous seasons. The game was the first for Collins since the Lions signed him in May to a three-year, $30-million deal.

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