Here are the two best takes on the ruling that I’ve seen so far — one that agreed with the call (and the rule) and another that disagreed with the call (and the rule).

The one agreeing with the ruling on the field is former Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira of Fox Sports. He was also on the Fox broadcast after the play happened, but in this video he has more of an opportunity to explain himself.

On the broadcast, the former VP said a player has to maintain control of the ball through the process of making a catch; in the video he said until the play is over. But what is the process of making a catch? And when is the play over?

Plus, the rule book doesn’t specifically say either of those things.

Jason Lisk at The Big Lead breaks down the play citing the rulebook. Rule 8, Section 1, Article 4, Item 1 says:

“Item 1: Player Going to the Ground. If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.”

What is touching the ground? Does two feet, a hand and a butt not count because Johnson rotated his body when he hit the ground?

Whether you agree with Pereira or Lisk on this particular call, I think we all can agree that the league could use a less ambigous definition of hitting the ground.