Where Coughlin and ESPN were talking about grounding on the play is that Couch appeared to double-clutch the spike, drop back a few steps and then spiked the ball. Quarterbacks are allowed to fake a spike but they must then follow through with a play. If I had reffed yesterday's game, I would have penalized Couch for intentional grounding. Of course, the review and reversal made the point moot so we'll have to see if the situation ever arises again.
Personally, I think the refs were going to review the play, they needed to blow the whistle BEFORE the snap. After all, they set the ball back into play. Cleveland has a legitimate beef and they should have been allowed to continue.
That's why you're not a referee :)
Personally, I think the refs were going to review the play, they needed to blow the whistle BEFORE the snap.
It seems that they did not have time to do that... Look at how quickly they ran, spotted the ball, etc. Imagine if you are the referee or umpire and are just getting buzzed a half second before the play is going off...
By the time that you are blowing your whistle the ball is being snapped. However, the actual buzzing took place before the snap, which is what the rule calls for.