Becoming A Fumble or Interception
However, if the receiver catches the ball and has possession of it, then loses control of it for any reason, it is ruled a fumble. In the NFL, both feet must be in bounds and the player must have clear control of the ball for a number of seconds without taking pass interference into account. In other leagues, only one foot must be in bounds with clear possession carrying a lighter burden of proof.
If a member of the opposing team gains possession of the ball before it hits the ground, it is ruled an interception.
Read more about this topic: Incomplete Pass
Famous quotes containing the word fumble:
““It’s hard to tell you how I managed it.
When I saw the shaft had me by the coat,
I didn’t try too long to pull away,
Or fumble for my knife to cut away,
I just embraced the shaft and rode it out....””
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)