6 minutes ago

Rulebook Fix Could End Timeout Confusion After Packers-Lions Controversy

Referee Ron Torbert said Matt LaFleur called timeout “before the false start,” wiping out a Packers penalty on fourth-and-1 and setting up a touchdown. But video showed no clear signal, only LaFleur covering his mouth. The rulebook currently allows verbal requests, fueling disputes. A simple fix, requiring the visible “T” hand signal, would remove doubt and prevent future arguments over phantom timeouts.