Fourth-quarter sideline penalty was called after official crashed into Joe Washington
Midway through the fourth quarter of Oklahoma’s 50-49 win at West Virginia, Mountaineers superstar Tavon Austin burst through the Sooner defense for a 54-yard gain to OU’s 31.
When penalty flags were thrown during the play, it initially appeared that Austin’s impressive run was coming back because of a Mountaineer hold or illegal block.
But instead, Oklahoma was flagged for two penalties: a 15-yard illegal use of hands call on defensive back Julian Wilson, and a sideline interference call.
That’s where Washington, former standout Sooner running back and current executive director of the Varsity “O” association, was involved.
An official, trying to keep in front of Austin’s run, sprinted down the field on the thick, white-painted area separating the field of play from those on the sideline.
Washington was standing in that area watching the play when the official, who wasn’t looking ahead, crashed into Washington.
Both the official and Washington fell over and quickly got back up. A nearby witness said Washington wasn’t injured.
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