penalty flag lies on the field. The official throwing the flag reports the violation to the referee. The referee summons the offended team's captain.

Referee, looking the captain in the eyes, says: "Captain, there is a penalty for defensive pass interference. Should you accept that penalty, we will take the ball back to the previous spot, then march off fifteen yards and the penalty of pass interference also gives you an automatic first down. Or if you decline the penalty, it will still be your ball at the line of scrimmage, fourth down and 25."

The captain, looking puzzled, hesitates.

The referee wanting to move the game along seeks the captain’s choice with the statement: "Do you want to accept the penalty or decline? Do you need me to explain it again?" (In reality, what did he explain the first time?)

The captain looks at the referee and asks: "Can I get a lifeline?"

Continued...