For reference the NFL rulebook makes no exclusion to the helmet rule if it's damaged. The ref technically made the right call following the letter of the rule. Under unsportsmanlike all it says is this:
"Removal of his helmet by a player in the field of play or the end zone during a celebration or demonstration, or during a confrontation with a game official or any other player."
Not saying it isn't dumb but technically that's the right call, especially saying he didn't head directly to the sideline after taking it off.
For reference the NFL rulebook makes no exclusion to the helmet rule if it's damaged. The ref technically made the right call following the letter of the rule. Under unsportsmanlike all it says is this:
"Removal of his helmet by a player in the field of play or the end zone during a celebration or demonstration, or during a confrontation with a game official or any other player."
Not saying it isn't dumb but technically that's the right call, especially saying he didn't head directly to the sideline after taking it off.