A's receivers having rights to their space?

[fbljuj]

Lively discussion, A receiver A88 goes downfield and does a hook pattern. Stops and never moves in the middle of the field about 10 yards down. As the ball is thrown towards the right sideline, B linebacker runs into A88. Most of the group felt it was OPI since A has to make an effort to get out of the way even though he may not even know B is coming. I always thought that as long as A is not moving, he has rights to the spot he is standing. I know this is a pick play, but isn't this a legal pick?

[fbljuj]

WOW! I either asked a pretty dumb question or have 133 people stumped.

[El Macman]

Well, ok. By rule, A players are to avoid contact with B players, so, technically, this would be interference. However, I don't know anyone that would want that called. If the A player simply stands stationary and gets run over by a B player (before the pass) or causes the B player to alter his path, that is nothing. But, if the A player makes any effort to move into the B player's path (to create contact) or in any way initiates any contact, that is interference. But make it BIG.

[zebra99]

Well, ok. By rule, A players are to avoid contact with B players, so, technically, this would be interference. However, I don't know anyone that would want that called. If the A player simply stands stationary and gets run over by a B player (before the pass) or causes the B player to alter his path, that is nothing. But, if the A player makes any effort to move into the B player's path (to create contact) or in any way initiates any contact, that is interference. But make it BIG.

Agree with El Mac.  Another key is that the receiver needs to be looking at the passer, not the classic basketball screen by facing the opponent.