Second thoughts

Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith is not crazy about a proposed rule that would prevent running backs from lowering their helmets to run over defenders.
Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith is not crazy about a proposed rule that would prevent running backs from lowering their helmets to run over defenders.

Emmitt: NFL not using head

The NFL’s all-time leading rusher thinks a proposed rule that would penalize running backs for plowing into defenders with the crown of their helmet is just crazy.

“If I’m a running back and I’m running into a linebacker, you’re telling me I have to keep my head up so he can take my chin off?’’ Emmitt Smith told KRLD-FM, 105.3, in Dallas. “You’ve absolutely lost your mind.’’

“As a running back, it’s almost impossible [to not lower your head,] The first thing you do is get behind your shoulder pads. That means you’re leaning forward and the first part of contact that’s going to take place is your head, regardless.

“I disagree with the rule altogether. It doesn’t make any sense for that position. It sounds like it’s been made up by people who have never played the game of football.’’

Tucked away

The NFL is also considering getting rid of the tuck rule … since it hasn’t helped Tom Brady in years.

Owners will vote next week on the rule proposal, which would tell fans what they already know that the New England quarterback fumbled in the 2001 playoffs against Oakland. The obscure tuck rule was invoked by Little Rock’s Walt Coleman, though, allowing the Patriots to keep the ball and eventually beat the Raiders on their way to the Super Bowl.

“For years, and to this day, many of the Raiders from that team still complain about that call. [Former Raiders owner] Al Davis told me the tuck call was one of the most unjust calls in NFL history,” writes Mike Freeman for cbssports.com.

“It was certainly the dumbest.”

Judgment call

If you’re living in Atlantic Coast Conference territory, you might want to avoid going to court - if you want the judge to really listen -when its men’s basketball teams are playing in the postseason.

“Our estimated activity loss per employee averages around 43 percent during ACC Tournament time,” Rachel Brooks of the North Carolina Department of Employment told the Kinston (N.C.) Free Press. “Just last year a judge in Forsyth County was caught watching the game on an iPad while he was on the bench.

“He would’ve gotten away with it if not for the fact that he kept yelling ‘Shoot the three!’ during a triple-homicide trial.”

For openers

The Washington Nationals named Stephen Strasburg their opening-day starter this week.

“However, in order to preserve his arm, he will be limited to throwing out the ceremonial first pitch,” writes syndicated columnist Norman Chad.

Strasburg had his innings limited last year and was shut down for the season before the playoffs.

Clearing the benches

“At the World Baseball Classic, a huge brawl broke out between Canada and Mexico,” writes Brad Dickson of The Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald. “It was the weirdest brawl in baseball history, with the Canadian baseball players dropping their sticks and the team from Mexico defecting halfway through.

Quote of the day

“If we have an opportunity to play and get some more practice time, that will only benefit our team.” Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson on the Razorbacks’ chances of receiving a bid to the NIT

Sports, Pages 20 on 03/16/2013

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