NFL owners unanimously approved a ban on hip-drop tackles, penalizing 15 yards and potentially fines.

NFL owners have unanimously approved a rule that bans hip-drop tackles, a technique involving a swivel motion to tackle an opponent. A violation of the new rule will result in a 15-yard penalty and possibly fines for players. The NFL reports that the hip-drop tackle was used 230 times last season and led to 15 players missing time due to injuries. The NFL Players Association has opposed this rule.