It was picked up after it was determined that the receiver was already down, but can someone tell my in the world it is illegal to bat a live ball that is laying on the field one direction or another? I understand why it's illegal to fumble a ball forward on offense, but it makes no sense at all to me as to why a live ball can't be knocked one direction or another. It's a heads up play and no matter which direction you hit it, you stand a chance to allow the other team to regain possession if you don't cover it up, so again, why is it illegal?