Saints' Rookie Boyd Fined for Hit on Eagles' Smith
Week 3 of the NFL season brought an unfortunate incident that left Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith concussed and New Orleans Saints rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd fined $4,600 for his actions. The hit, which occurred during a critical point in the game, has sparked controversy and prompted discussions about player safety and officiating standards.
The collision between Boyd and Smith sent shockwaves through the stadium. Smith, known for his speed and agility, caught the ball and was in the midst of running backwards when Boyd's hit left him unconscious on the field. Fred Johnson, who was close to the action, described the harrowing moment. "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, along with many others, criticized the officials for their delayed reaction to the apparent violation. "It's on the refs to call that play dead, and take the necessary action when he's hit late. DeVonta's size, and so a lineman hitting him after five steps of him catching the ball, it's unprofessional. They're going to look at it and see that they need to take necessary actions."
The impact of the hit extended beyond the field as Smith was later diagnosed with a concussion, rendering him unable to practice with the Eagles on Wednesday. His participation in the upcoming game now depends on passing the NFL's concussion protocol, bringing his status into question and leaving the team in a precarious position.
Adding fuel to the fire, C.J. Gardner-Johnson voiced his frustration over what he perceived as a blatant cheap shot. "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."
For Boyd, a promising rookie with a salary cap number slightly over $839,000, the fine reflects just 10% of this figure. Interestingly, the maximum fine for a first-time offender's hit on a defenseless player can reach up to $16,883 under the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. Despite not being penalized during the game, Boyd's actions have not gone unnoticed, and he took to Instagram to express his remorse. "I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury," Boyd stated, seeking to clarify his intentions and mend relations.
This incident raises serious questions about the NFL's officiating and the measures in place to protect players. The delayed reaction from the officials has been widely criticized, with many calling for stricter enforcement of rules designed to safeguard athletes. The Eagles, in particular, face a challenging situation as they prepare for their next game without one of their star players.
As the season progresses, the league's response to such incidents will undoubtedly be under scrutiny. Teams, players, and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the NFL addresses these concerns and works to ensure that player safety remains a top priority.