If you look at the replays, you can only guess the "injuries" to safety Deon Grant and linebacker Jacquain Williams were feigned but the NFL cannot discipline either of the two players unless they take credit for their bad acting jobs.
Both players were stricken at almost the same time, with the rookie Williams hitting the turf first immediately followed by the veteran Grant, after the Giants had trouble substituting players fast enough.
Funny thing was, after Williams spotted Grant rolling around like a deer in a trap, the rookie hopped right up.
Who knew the Italian national soccer team was coaching the Giants defense.
This NFL version of a soccer flop is considered bush-league but is a gray area in the NFL rule book which states that " The Competition Committee deprecates feigning injuries, with subsequent withdrawal, to obtain a timeout without penalty. Coaches are urged to cooperate in discouraging this practice."
While it is a violation of the spirit of the rules-- and bad sportsmanship-- the NFL will not punish Grant, Williams or the Giants unless one, or all, admit to taking a dive. Yeah... right.
The sports radio lines were filled with rants about the cheap momentum-stopping tactic but the NFL apparently has its hands tied. How do you prove a fake injury?
For now, it's a non-issue and it looks like the Giants pulled a fast one.
