Your “Rules?” Thursday Evening Open Thread

NFL Nuggets:

• Proving once again that the only true crime in the NFL is taking a knee, Aldon Smith has been reinstated by the NFL.
  • The Cowboys (naturally) signed Smith to a one-year contract worth up to $4 million, with $2 million in base salary and $2 million in sack incentives, but no money guaranteed.
    • He hasn’t played since the 2015 season due to various legal & substance abuse issues.
    • He turns 31 in September.
  • He claims that, because he hasn’t “put mileage on my body”, he should be able to resume his career at a high level.
• Right on cue, here comes Josh Gordon.

  

  • By appearing in 11 games for the Seahawks in 2019, Gordon appeared in enough games to satisfy his contractual obligations and to become an unrestricted free agent. He’s currently able to sign with any team.

The list of proposed rule changes was published & sent to teams on Thursday.

• Among the proposals: (all taken from the cited article)
  • Adding a booth umpire and a senior technology advisor to the referee to assist the officiating crew.
  • A proposal that would give teams another option instead of an onside kick.
    • It would allow a team to maintain possession of the ball after a score by substituting one offensive play – attempting a fourth-and-15 from its 25-yard line.
      • This could be done a maximum of two times per game.
  • Making permanent the expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays and turnovers negated by a foul, and any successful or unsuccessful extra-point attempt.
  • Providing the option to the defense for the game clock to start on the referee’s signal if the defense declines an offensive penalty that occurs late in either half.
    • This would eliminate instances when an offense could benefit time-wise from committing a penalty.
  • Expanding the defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who is in possession of the ball but who has not had time to avoid or ward off the impending contact of an opponent.
    • Essentially, the CFL’s “no yards” penalty.
  • Preventing teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple dead-ball fouls while the clock is running.
• One proposal not making the cut was the proposal to return overtime to 15 minutes.

Tonight’s … entertainment?:

• Korea Baseball Organization:
  • NC Dinos at Doosan Bears – 2:30 AM | ESPN2

• Celebrity Escape Room – 8:00PM | NBC
  • Ben Stiller brings the phenomenon of escape rooms to television in spectacular style with “Celebrity Escape Room.”
    • Jack Black serves as host and all knowing Game Master, putting celebrity players to the test as they all work together under intense pressure to beat the clock, unlocking a series of colorful, themed puzzle rooms.
• The Red Nose Day Special – 9:01PM | NBC
  • Featuring the biggest names across entertainment with a packed lineup of music, comedy and short documentary films that will educate and engage viewers.
    • The films will share stories of children and young people who have been affected by poverty and how Red Nose Day funds have helped change their story for good.
• Top Chef – 10:00PM | BRAVO / Food Network Canada
  • With only six chefs remaining, the challenges get even more difficult, when pastry super-chef Sherry Yard awaits the All Stars for a dreaded dessert Quickfire.
• To Tell the Truth – 10:00PM | ABC
  • Sports icons / chucklefucks Deion Sanders and Shannon Sharpe join comedians Joel McHale and Gillian Jacobs to make up the celebrity panel.

Once again, I’m reminding you to tune in Friday evening for a Very Special Episode of Sexy Friday, dedicated to the recently departed yet never forgotten Wee Baby Seamus.