Refs Flagged Bears Defender for Removing Helmet Despite His Face Mask Being Broken

Bears defensive back Kyler Gordon was penalized for removing his helmet, despite only doing so due to a broken face mask.

Bears defensive back Kyler Gordon was hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty during Week 12’s Monday Night Football matchup against the Vikings after he was spotted removing his helmet following an interception by Chicago safety Jaylon Johnson. 

As it turns out, Gordon’s face mask was broken during the play, prompting the 23-year-old to remove his helmet.

Referees didn’t seem to realize that his face mask had become dislodged, and despite him lifting his helmet in the air to show that to the officials, they still docked Chicago 15 yards.

In fact, the official even went as far as to double down on his decision by changing the penalty from unsportsmanlike conduct to taunting.

Kyler Gordon got penalized 15 yards for taking off his helmet on the field of play.

His facemask was broken and is literally dangling around.pic.twitter.com/aXrLFbpyz3

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 28, 2023

A perplexed Gordon could be seen on the sideline holding his helmet in the air with one hand while officials announced the penalty. 

Gordon was still on the field when he removed his helmet, though the play had already reached its conclusion. Despite having a seemingly reasonable excuse for taking off the helmet, officials weren’t having it, sticking by their decision to issue a 15-yard penalty.