I’ve always had a problem with this when the muff occurs past the LOS. K has done nothing wrong, yet is penalized for R’s misplay.
In my 30+ years on the rules Committee, I don't recall this ever coming up. Whenever I think of this play, i recall an event from daze of a 'wide-eyed' wing....
SCENE : late in an already decided game, K was punting from their own 5. The crusty ole' ref was always grumpy on a good day.
(1) Punt was blocked and bounced thru K's EZ;
(2) Ref brings ball out to K's 20 (so far so good
);
(3) Ref then signals touchback
;
(4) Ref then signals 1st & 10 for R
;
(5) Game ends shorly thereafter
.
(6) On the way home -and after a few beers- I get up the nerve to ask ole' Ref : "Sir, why wasn't that a safety
?".
(7)He gruffly responded : "Because I don't like to F@#$ WITH KICKOFFS
."
(8) i HAD MY ANSWER
.