Vikings’ Robison unhappy with ‘crown of their helmet’ rule passed by league

Nov 20, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) against the Oakland Raiders at the Metrodome. The Raiders defeated the Vikings 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the fact that several coaches, including Leslie Frazier, expressed concern of the proposition, the NFL teams have voted in favor of a rule that will penalize ball carriers for lowering the crown of their helmet into defenders outside of the box and more than three yards down field. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that 31 of the 32 owners voted in favor of the rule.

The violation will result in a 15-yard penalty from the spot of the foul. If both the offensive and defensive player lower their helmets into one another, the penalties will offset and the down will be replayed.

Vikings defensive end Brian Robison is one of several players to voice their displeasure Wednesday. Here are a series of tweets Robison made:

"“Ok, I’m all about player safety, but when it starts to take away from the integrity of the game…. Smh. The game is physical and we all….Knew this when we signed up to play. Again I’m happy that the NFL is trying to take a step in the right direction for player safety, but….Some of these rules are just ridiculous. Next rule proposal should be to change from NFL to NFFL #nationalflagfootballleagueMy main concern is that the rules are just too confusing at times. Ex. When can a RB lower his head now to protect himself?”"