Referee Bill Leavy recently upheld a fumble call after consulting instant replay during the Steelers-Giants game. With 5:26 remaining in the 2nd quarter, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attempted to pass from the Giants' 38-yard line as Giants defensive end Ositadimma "Osi" Umenyiora placed his hand and contacted Roethlisberger's throwing arm. After subsequent movement, the ball became loose and advanced to the Giants' 30-yard line, where it was recovered and returned for a touchdown by linebacker Michael Boley. After the ruling on the field, the Replay Official requested a review pursuant to NFL Rule 18-9 (Instant Replay, requiring that all scoring plays...fumbles must be reviewed). This rule requires the presence of "indisputable visual evidence" prior to reversing a decision. Most penalties, such as the uncalled infraction of clipping, are not reviewable.
During his review, Referee Leavy considered whether such evidence existed to justify reversing the ruling on the field of fumble. Rule 8-1-1-a specifies it is a forward pass if "the ball initially moves forward" or "if the passer is attempting to throw a forward pass, but contact by an opponent materially affects him, causing the ball to go backward, it is a forward pass." By this criteria alone, Leavy had ample evidence with which to overturn the ruling on the field of fumble.
However, Rule 8-1-1-c—the "recock rule"—arrested this reversal momentum. This provision specifies that if a "passer loses possession of the ball while attempting to recock his arm, it is a fumble."
Rule 3-2-7-1 (definitions) specifies that for a player to possess the ball, he is required to have "firm grip & control" of the football. Because "recock" is not defined in the NFL Rules Book, its ordinary definition is considered: "To lift; to be prepared to be triggered; to turn or twist upward or to one side."
Under the auspices of the recock rule, it appeared that after receiving contact, Roethlisberger's arm may have been lifted, turned or twisted upward or to one side in preperation of a pass. Furthermore, it is apparent that after contact, Roethlisberger may not have maintained firm grip & control of the football throughout the process of his pass attempt—including his recock.
Therefore, Rule 18-9's requirement of "indisputable visual evidence" was not satisfied, resulting in Leavy's ruling that the play on the field should stand, as opposed to a reversal (indisputable visual evidence to suggest the call was incorrect) or a confirmation (indisputable evidence to suggest the call was correct).
At the time of the upheld review, the Giants were leading, 13-10.
Wrap: Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants, 11/4/12
Video: Roethlisberger sacked and fumbles, a call which stands after instant replay review