Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stirred up considerable controversy around the NFL Thursday when he stepped onto the field during a kickoff return by Baltimore’s Jacoby Jones, possibly ruining a Ravens touchdown.
Now the NFL apparently plans to take action.
According to ESPN and NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the play will be reviewed and Tomlin could face disciplinary action. The NFL official involved in the play also might be downgraded, an ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. A decision is expected next week.
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After the Steelers scored to cut the Ravens’ lead to 13-7, Jones took the ensuing kickoff and was racing down the sideline when Tomlin stepped on the white sideline stripe near the field. With Tomlin on the field at one point, Jones slowed up, allowing Pittsburgh’s Cortez Allen to run him down and tackle him.
Tomlin was not penalized for the play and said he did not think he interfered with Jones.
"I always watch the returns on the JumboTron. It provides better perspective for me," Tomlin said. "I lost my placement as he broke free and saw at the last second how close I was to the field of play.”
Tomlin later admitted he was wrong and accepted responsibility for the play.
Ravens QB Joe Flacco was among the Baltimore players who criticized Tomlin for the move.