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NFL owners vote in rule changes on automatic ejections, touchbacks

BOCA RATON, Fla. – NFL owners voted on two rules changes Wednesday, both on a one-year basis.

They approved the proposal that calls for a player to be ejected if he receives a second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in a game.

Specifically, if a player is called for hitting, kicking, taunting or using abusive language for a second time, he's kicked out of the game.

Also, touchbacks after kickoffs will call for the ball to be placed at the 25-yard line rather than the 20-yard line.

If the owners like one or both of the rules, they'll probably be voted in on a permanent basis at next year's spring meetings in Phoenix.