Eagles’ Devon Allen disqualified from 110 meter hurdles by .001 of a second in false start
There is apparently such as thing as too good of a start, as Allen found out in a heartbreak.
In a crushing blow during what would have been his last 110m hurdles race before starting his professional football career, Eagles wide receiver Devon Allen was disqualified for a false start Sunday.
According to the sensitive timers of the starting blocks, Allen didn’t actually begin the world championships final before the starting pistol shot, but rather, he reacted too quickly. He was not allowed to run the race under protest.
The former University of Oregon track standout and football player was participating on his home turf of Eugene, Ore., hoping to win gold ahead of joining the Eagles in training camp next week.
“It’s a little frustrating,” Allen told reporters, reflecting on how close he was to nothing being wrong with the start of what could have been an excellent run. “There are a lot of variables in a race.
“I know I didn’t react until I heard the gun.”
In reference to the rule, he said, “It’s so absolute; it kind of sucks.”
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Gary Martin, a local Philadelphia runner who is famous in his own right, disagreed with the rule that disqualified Allen.
At least one Eagles teammate was monitoring Allen’s race and reacted with sympathy.
Former NFL player Robert Griffin III, who competed in hurdles during his college career and was present at the world championships, had one of the strongest reactions in favor of Allen.
Grant Holloway and Trey Cunningham won gold and silver, respectively, for the United States after Allen’s disqualification.
Allen did not appear to let the disappointment of the race throw off his future plans, however.
“My goal is to play in the NFL and help, right now, the Eagles win the Super Bowl,” he said.