In an event that has sparked a significant amount of attention and critique, New Orleans Saints rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd has been fined $4,600 for a controversial hit on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith during Week 3 of the NFL season. The incident, which occurred during a critical juncture of the game, left Smith concussed and unable to continue playing.
The Hit and Its Aftermath
The play unfolded in a particularly dramatic fashion. According to Fred Johnson, who described the aftermath, "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 highlight the severity of the situation and the immediate concern for Smith’s well-being.
Yet, the hit that caused Smith's concussion went unpenalized during the game, a point that has drawn heavy criticism toward the officiating crew. "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," Johnson added, further emphasizing the controversial nature of the missed call.
League Regulations and Consequences
The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement stipulates that the maximum fine for a first-time offender's hit on a defenseless player can reach up to $16,883. Boyd’s fine of $4,600 is notable, especially given that it equates to 10% of his salary cap number, which stands slightly over $839,000. For Smith, the ramifications have been severe. He was diagnosed with a concussion following the hit and missed practice on Wednesday, leading to uncertainty around his participation in upcoming games as he navigates through the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Accountability and Criticism
C.J. Gardner-Johnson did not mince words when expressing his disdain for the hit. "Man, that's the dirtiest [stuff] 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," Gardner-Johnson said, casting a shadow on the integrity of the Saints' approach in that particular moment.
In the midst of this storm, Boyd sought to extend an olive branch, reaching out to Smith via Instagram to express his regret over the incident. "I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury," Boyd wrote. His outreach reflects a recognition of the gravity of his actions and an attempt to mend bridges following the contentious hit.
Critique of Officials
One of the most glaring criticisms has been directed at the officials for their perceived delayed response. The delayed reaction is seen as a failure to protect players from unnecessary harm. It brings to light the ongoing debate about the effectiveness and consistency of officiating in ensuring player safety, a paramount concern in the modern NFL.
As Smith works through the league’s concussion protocol, both teams and their fans await further developments. The incident underscores the need for vigilance, proper officiating, and adherence to safety protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The fallout from this play will likely echo through upcoming games and discussions about player safety, officiating standards, and the responsibilities of players on the field. The NFL, teams, and players must come together to navigate these treacherous waters, ensuring that the well-being of players remains at the forefront of the sport.