Rookie Saints DT Fined for Controversial Hit on Eagles' DeVonta Smith
New Orleans Saints rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd has been fined $4,600 by the NFL for a late hit on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith during Week 3 of the NFL season. The incident has sparked considerable debate regarding player safety and officiating standards.
The hit in question occurred during a pivotal moment in the game, leaving Smith concussed and unable to continue. Surprisingly, Boyd was not penalized at the time, an oversight that hasn’t sat well with players and fans alike. Smith, who is an essential part of the Eagles' offensive arsenal, had to be taken off the field immediately after the hit, and his absence was significant.
According to the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, the maximum fine for a first-time offender hitting a defenseless player can reach up to $16,883. Boyd's fine, however, was calculated to be 10% of his salary cap number, which is slightly over $839,000. The league's decision on the fine amount, rather than the maximum penalty, has raised eyebrows amid the broader conversation about player safety.
Fred Johnson, a teammate of Smith, described the harrowing moments that followed the hit. "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. It's on the refs to call that play dead, and take the necessary action when he's hit late." Johnson didn't hold back on his criticism of the officials' delayed reaction, adding, "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 issue has further stirred emotions within the Eagles' camp. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, another teammate, candidly expressed his outrage over the incident. "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," he stated emphatically.
Boyd, for his part, showed remorse for the outcome of his actions. In a message sent to Smith via Instagram, Boyd expressed regret, stating, "I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury." While his words may offer a glimpse into his intent, the impact of the hit speaks volumes and has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all involved.
Smith, who missed the Eagles' practice on Wednesday following the concussion, is now in the NFL's concussion protocol. His participation in the upcoming game will depend on his ability to clear this stringent safety measure. The absence of Smith from the practice field highlights the serious nature of his injury and the stringent processes in place to ensure player safety after such incidents.
The scrutiny on officiating is intensifying in light of this episode. Many believe that the referees should have had a quicker response to the hit, which might have mitigated the severity of Smith's injury. The league's aim to protect its players is being questioned, especially when it comes to the enforcement of rules during live games. The officials' perceived leniency in this instance has led to calls for a review of their procedures and the possible implementation of stricter guidelines.
This incident has also prompted discussions on how fines are determined and whether they effectively serve as a deterrent for such incidents. Boyd’s fine, a fraction of what it could have been, leaves room for debate on whether the current system adequately enforces player safety and accountability.
As the NFL season progresses, the league, players, and fans will be closely monitoring how these issues are addressed. Smith’s recovery and return to the field will be anxiously awaited by the Eagles and their supporters, who hope to see him regain his form and continue his impactful plays. Meanwhile, Boyd's actions and their repercussions serve as a stark reminder of the fine line between competitive spirit and player safety in one of America's most intense sports.