Many people around the league nowadays characterize the NFL as the “No Fun League” due to it’s somewhat passive nature in it’s approach to player safety, fines, suspensions and virtually eliminating celebrations.
While it is understandable that the league and commissioner Roger Goodell look after their players well-beings, it is getting past the point of ridiculousness when clean hits start becoming a topic of conversation in the fine/suspension department.
If you’re wondering why I’m hot, here’s the hit:
Courtesy: Boltbeat.com
Look’s clean right?
With his wallet now $21,000 lighter, Chicago Bears linebacker Jonathan Bostic has to wonder what exactly he was punished for.
Lowered the shoulder. Helmet across the body. Drove the ball-carrier down to the ground by hitting the chest plate. It just so happened, the receiver’s head snapped back and the hit looked more malicious than it really was.
Want to see a dirty hit?
Courtesy: theScore
I’m sure Bostic would’ve been reprimanded for this hit if he was a professional at the time: Courtesy: YouTube.com
This would be considered a “dirty hit” on the offense, hence the new rule preventing runners from lowering the crowns of their helmets into defenders. Yes, it looks like New England’s Stevan Ridley took the brunt of the blow from “The Patriot Killer” Tennessee Titans safety Bernard Pollard, but it was self-inflicted as Ridley lowered his helmet to absorb the shot from former Ravens safety.
Courtesy: Boltbeat.com
My point with all of these visual images and videos?
While it may be an indictment on the NFL calling the league the dreaded four-letter “s” word, it might be getting to that point.
Yes, I understand that the league must side with caution in order to protect their investments (the players), yet it’s getting to the point where a contact sport is diminishing the contact portion.
Football, like all sports, is about having fun. The offensive side of the football has received preferential treatment recently in comparison to opposing defenses , hence why quarterbacks are surpassing the 4,000 yard plateau more now than ever. However, what does it say about players trying to stop the offense? How are they being given a fair chance to do their job and stop the offense?
I played football through college and I take this personally simply because I was always a guy who preferred the defensive side of the football.
Yes, I get that players are taught proper tackling form from pee-wees to the professional ranks. Yet, each player knows the risk they are taking when they commit to playing the sport of football.
Here’s the warning on the back of every single football helmet known to mankind:
Courtesy: Schutt Helmet Warning Label
As a former football player, I can say this: I did my best to adhere to the rules and use proper tackling form to bring players down. However, when you are in the heat of competition and it is vital that you have to bring a ball carrier down, all players get this mentality “By all means necessary, take the guy out.”
It happens.
It always will.
Get a grip NFL… let the players play.
