In Week 3 of the NFL season, a controversial incident unfolded involving New Orleans Saints rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Boyd has been fined $4,600 for a hit that left Smith concussed and unable to continue in the crucial moments of the game.
The Incident
The hit on Smith occurred during a pivotal play, and witnesses described the aftermath as alarming. Fred Johnson, who was present during the play, commented on the situation: "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."
Despite the severity of the impact, Boyd was not penalized during the game, leading to criticism of the officials. Johnson added, "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."
Official Consequences
The fine imposed on Boyd, while significant, is considerably less than the maximum penalty for a first-time offender's hit on a defenseless player, which can reach up to $16,883 as stipulated by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. Boyd's fine amounted to 10% of his salary cap number, which is slightly over $839,000.
Boyd expressed his regret over the incident in a message to Smith via Instagram, stating, "I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury."
Criticism and Fallout
Not everyone was as forgiving. Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson voiced strong disapproval, saying, "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."
The scrutiny extended beyond player comments, as the officials' delayed reaction to the hit came under fire. Many felt the lack of immediate action worsened an already dangerous situation. Observers argued that had the officials acted promptly, Smith's injury might have been mitigated.
Smith's Condition
Following the hit, Smith was diagnosed with a concussion, rendering him unable to participate in the Eagles' practice on Wednesday. His availability for the upcoming game remains uncertain, contingent on his clearance from the NFL's concussion protocol.
The events have sparked a broader conversation about player safety and the responsibilities of both players and officials in preventing serious injuries. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in professional football and the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting all players on the field.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the NFL's handling of such incidents and the measures taken to ensure they are minimized. The league's commitment to player safety and the enforcement of regulations will continue to be pivotal in maintaining the integrity and safety of the sport.