Lamb hit by referee and penalized: Controversy in Cowboys' defeat

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb did not participate in the 31-21 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, but he did star in one of the most talked-about moments of the game. During the second quarter, while quarterback Joe Milton III was preparing for a long pass to Jonathan Mingo, Lamb, Cowboys star receiver, began to celebrate anticipating a big play. The problem: Lamb was on the white line of the band reserved for officials, and was hit from behind by linesman Anthony Jeffries, who was chasing the play.

I hope the guy is okay. They said he’s okay, the officer he collided with, but we have to be better than that. CeeDee knows better. We know better.
Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys coach

The Cowboys were penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct due to the play, while the Rams also received a penalty for pass interference. Instead of having the ball on the 23-yard line of Los Angeles, the Cowboys had it on the 38, and ultimately settled for a field goal.

It’s a rarer situation. Normally, we don’t have anyone standing so deep in the restricted area, or that kind of forced contact. So it’s a bit rare, but it happens from time to time.
Alex Moore, Head Referee

The Cowboys did not protest the decision.

It’s something everyone is aware of, that white area is our area to work safely.
Alex Moore, Head Referee

Lamb suffered no injuries and laughed with his teammates on the sidelines.

I saw him walking, so I think he’s doing pretty well.
Joe Milton III, quarterback

Schottenheimer was not happy with the Cowboys’ discipline during the game. They were penalized 11 times for 83 yards. Although he said he was “okay” with the combative penalties, the pre-snap penalties and flags like Lamb’s were too much.