New Orleans Rookie Fined for Controversial Hit on Philadelphia's DeVonta Smith
In what has become one of the more controversial moments of Week 3 in the NFL season, New Orleans Saints rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd has been fined $4,600 for a hit on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith. The incident, which occurred during a critical juncture of the game, has raised questions about player safety and officiating in the NFL.
The play in question saw Smith apparently concussed following Boyd's hit, rendering him unable to continue playing. Notably, Boyd was not penalized during the game, a decision that has faced substantial criticism. Immediately following the hit, it was clear that Smith was severely affected. According to Fred Johnson, "I'd seen him [knocked] out, and that's when I waved to the training staff, like he's out cold. It was scary. You never want to see (something) like that, especially on a play where he catches the ball, and he's running backwards for like five steps."
Johnson’s comments underscore the precarious nature of the situation, highlighting what some saw as a delayed reaction from the officiating crew. "It's on the refs to call that play dead, and take the necessary action when he's hit late,” Johnson added. Such incidents call into question the protocols in place to protect players, particularly those who are deemed defenseless.
The issue of player safety has been a pervasive one in the league, and this incident is a stark reminder of its importance. Per the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, the maximum fine for a first-time offender’s hit on a defenseless player could reach up to $16,883. In this case, Boyd’s fine amounted to 10% of his salary cap number, which stands at slightly over $839,000. Though the financial penalty has been imposed, the broader implications for both teams linger.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson of the Eagles did not mince words when reacting to the hit: "Man, that's the dirtiest shit I ever saw in football, bro. Y'all obviously saw that forward progression was stopped. And for them to take a cheap shot on one of our key guys, it shows what kind of team that is. They're front-runners."
These sentiments reflect the intense emotions that such incidents can provoke within the sport, especially when a key player like Smith is involved. Smith’s injury had immediate repercussions as he missed the Eagles' practice on Wednesday and is now under the NFL's concussion protocol. His participation in the upcoming game remains uncertain.
In the wake of the incident, Boyd reached out to Smith via Instagram, expressing his regret over the situation. "I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury," Boyd stated. This gesture, while appreciated by some, does little to quell the broader concerns about the physical toll of the sport and the adequacy of measures to protect players.
The officials’ delayed reaction to the hit has also come under scrutiny. Critics argue that quicker intervention might have mitigated the severity of Smith's injury. Such moments serve to remind fans and players alike of the inherent risks in the sport and the crucial role that referees play in maintaining player safety.
The incident involving Khristian Boyd and DeVonta Smith will undoubtedly reignite discussions about safety protocols and officiating standards in the NFL. While the league has taken steps in recent years to better protect players, this episode underscores the ongoing challenges and the need for vigilance. For now, both teams will have to adjust to the immediate aftermath—the Saints with a fined rookie and the Eagles potentially missing one of their key wide receivers.