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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Alyssa Barbieri

Bears punter Trenton Gill penalized for wiping down field with a towel

It was an ugly start for the Chicago Bears in their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, where their offense only made it past midfield once in the first half.

Just when it looked like the Bears offense could finally get some points on the board with a Cairo Santos field goal, an obscure penalty cost them valuable field position.

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Bears rookie punter Trenton Gill brought out a towel to wipe down the area where Santos would be kicking, which apparently is a penalty. Gill was blasted with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, which knocked them out of field goal range.

Instead of heading into halftime with some momentum (and with some points), the Bears trailed 7-0 at the half.

It was one of those obscure penalties that exists but some people aren’t aware of. Well, at least Gill probably won’t make that mistake again (should it happen). I guess, the more you know.

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