Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph tried to pull down Buffalo Bills running back James Cook by the hair on Sunday, prompting at least one observer to ask: Is that legal?
Joseph made a desperate grab on a piece of hair peeking out of Cook’s helmet as the Buffalo player made a breakaway run. Cook’s head snapped back as Joseph snatched the strand before it appeared to slip through his hand.
The back was momentarily slowed, but continued for a 41-yard touchdown in the Bills’ 48-24 victory between Super Bowl contenders.
And while Cook said Joseph told him after the game that he let go (“I’m happy he did,” Cook said), it was not illegal. Hair is considered part of the uniform, like a jersey, when someone is tackling a ball-carrier, according to severaloutlets.
The measure has been called “The Ricky Rule” for ex-NFL running back Ricky Williams, who wore long dreadlocks and was tackled by the hair in 2003.
Fans noticed the latest hair-raising NFL moment and had some comments:
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