Chicago Bears Take Very Unique Penalty In Week 1

The Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers match up in Week 1, and before the game, flash flood warnings were in effect and the staff were trying to drain the field before the game began, so it was very clear that it was going to be a tough game to play in such conditions. The play has been sloppy at point, and there's been an injury or two, but the most notable thing to come out of this game is one of the weirdest penalties the NFL has seen in quite some time.

"Unsportsmanlike conduct. Chicago, #16. Brought a towel out on the field during the dead-ball period and wiped the field down. By rule that's illegal."

This really happened. Penalty took Chicago out of FG range. pic.twitter.com/kjavbZXbMi

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 11, 2022

In the first half, with Chicago in field goal range, the referee blew a flag and then explained that a Bears player, during a dead ball period came to the field to wipe it down with a towel, which, by rule in the NFL will draw a penalty. 

It's hard to remember the last time something like this happened, and considering the conditions on the field, it's not a shock that players are doing whatever they can to drain the field and potentially help their footing. The Bears went into the half with 0 points, as this one pushed them out of field goal range, and while it may not completely change the outcome, it's a tough way to be pushed out of range for your first points in the 2022 NFL season.

Photo Credit:Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports