Forward Pass

Runner A1 advances 5 yards beyond the neutral zone to B's 3-yard line where he is tackled.  As he is going down, A1 simulates a fumble by tossing the ball forward into the end zone where A2 downs it.







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Ruling: Illegal forward pass by A1.  The penalty is 5 yards from the spot of the pass, plus loss of down.  If A1 is contacted after releasing the ball, it is not roughing the passer since he lost that protection when he threw the pass from beyond the neutral zone.(7.5.2D)Casebook