Hunter Gathers
The Crown
I'm not trying to get into an argument, but where has it ever been referenced that you have until the recipient of the pass takes possession to hit the passer? I'm not doubting you, I'm just genuinely curious. I always thought that the player throwing the hit had some leeway because, at a certain point, they become committed to the hit and can't reasonably be expected to change course. I didn't think Weaver had reached that point and could have let up or changed course. Again, just my opinion. If there's some kind of evidence to the contrary, then I will freely admit to being wrong.
It's not referenced anywhere. It's just how the rule is called and has been called for years now. If the guys are close to one another, they'll give leeway up until the recipient takes possession.