A single gesture, a split-second sequence, and suddenly the league is staring at an avoidable problem. What if the NFL’s second-most recognizable hand signal isn’t as clear as everyone assumes? That’s the question rising again after Green Bay’s Thanksgiving win in Detroit .

The controversy kicked off during a fourth-and-one snap in the second quarter. Green Bay right guard Anthony Belton flinched. Flags were thrown. But referee Ron Torbert declared that Matt LaFleur had already called a timeout. And just like that, the penalty disappeared, and the down was reset.

The Packers scored moments later. It was a clear explanation, but not a convincing one for everyone watching. Torbert insisted the timeout came first, even though LaFleur never appeared to give the traditional “T” sign

See Full Page