A kneel-down is usually one of the simplest and safest plays in football, unless Lions center Dominic Raiola is involved.
On the final play of Detroit's 34-9 loss to New England on Sunday, the Lions decided to take a knee and that's when Raiola decided to do this.
It's a clear cheap shot and Raiola even acknowledged it after the game. The Lions center said the cut block on defensive lineman Zach Moore was justified because the Patriots ran up the score.
"I cut him," Raiola said, via the Detroit Free Press. "We took a knee, so I cut the nose (tackle). They went for six (a touchdown). They went for a touchdown at 2 minutes. They could have took three knees and the game could have been over. It's football. He wants to keep playing football, let's play football. Not a big deal. It's football."
The offensive series Raiola is referring to came after the two minute warning. The Patriots had the ball first-and-goal at the one and could have run out the clock, but instead, they gave it to LeGarrette Blount, who scored his second touchdown of the game.
New England's Vince Wilfork called the play by Raiola "stupid."
"I just heard what happened, but that was stupid," Wilfork said. "I didn't see it, but from what I heard... You're taking a knee. They'd get mad if we were just to blow up one of their players, so I mean, it's just uncalled for."
Raiola doesn't really have to worry about retaliation because the Patriots and Lions aren't scheduled to play each other again until 2018. However, he might want to start worrying about a possible fine from the league because there's a good chance he'll get one.
