Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will not face a fine from the NFL after colliding with a referee during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams last week. The unexpected contact happened in the restricted sideline area, which players are prohibited from entering during active play.
Despite the forceful collision with side judge Anthony Jeffries, Lamb escaped without injury. The incident quickly drew attention due to its rare nature on the sidelines during an NFL contest.
Details on the Collision and Official Reactions
Lamb inadvertently entered the white restricted zone on the sideline and ran into the official as the play unfolded. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed concern about the situation but noted that the official was reportedly fine after the collision.
I hope the [official’s] OK. They said he’s OK, the official that he ran into, but we have to be better than that,
—Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach
CeeDee knows better. We know better.
—Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach
Referee Alex Moore described the event as unusual given how uncommon it is for players and officials to be positioned so close in the restricted area, especially with such force.
Normally, we don’t have anybody standing that deep into the restricted area or that type of forceful contact,
—Alex Moore, Referee
So it is a rare occurrence, but it does happen from time to time.
—Alex Moore, Referee
Team Discipline and Broader Game Context
While Lamb treated the incident lightly on social media, commenting,
I feel like everyone needs a laugh,
the overall tone from the Cowboys’ coaching staff was serious and critical. Schottenheimer expressed frustration about the team‘s discipline during the game, citing a total of eleven penalties, including six pre-snap infractions on offense.
To have six pre-snap penalties on the offense is awful and it’s not going to be accepted,
—Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach
We’re not going to allow that to happen. [I] told the guys today, if you’re going to commit pre-snap penalties, which means I can’t line up the right way, shave my motions, we’re not going to play you. Why? Because why would you put yourself at a disadvantage? If we’re not a disciplined football team, that starts with me as a head coach and the coaching staff.
—Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach
Implications of the Incident for Future Play
The unusual occurrence involving CeeDee Lamb NFL sideline collision highlights the importance of sideline awareness and discipline during games. Though no penalties beyond the initial call were imposed on Lamb, the episode serves as a reminder for players and officials to maintain proper positioning. The Cowboys’ leadership is clearly addressing discipline issues ahead of regular-season play to prevent similar occurrences and promote better team performance.