In a critical moment during Week 3 of the NFL season, New Orleans Saints rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd was fined $4,600 for a controversial hit on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith. The collision, which occurred with significant implications for both teams, left Smith concussed and unable to continue. Despite the obvious severity of Smith's injury, Boyd was not penalized during the game, sparking controversy and criticism from various corners of the league.
The hit took place when Smith, after catching the ball, was running backwards for several steps. Fred Johnson, who witnessed the event firsthand, recounted, "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. 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."
Smith's concussion highlights the ongoing issue of player safety in the NFL, especially regarding hits on defenseless receivers. The NFL's collective bargaining agreement specifies that the maximum fine for a first-time offender's hit on a defenseless player can reach up to $16,883. Boyd’s fine, which accounted for 10% of his salary cap number (slightly over $839,000), was considerably less than the maximum, raising eyebrows and questions about consistency in the league's disciplinary actions.
Immediately after the game, the Eagles' camp was abuzz with reactions. C.J. Gardner-Johnson did not mince words in his assessment: "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." His stark comments reflect a broader sentiment within the Eagles' locker room about the nature of the hit and the officiation of the game.
Smith, diagnosed with a concussion, missed the Eagles' practice on Wednesday as he began the NFL’s mandated concussion protocol. His return to the field hinges on successfully clearing this stringent process, adding to the team’s concerns about his availability for upcoming games. Smith’s absence is particularly troubling for the Eagles, given his key role in their offensive strategy.
Despite the backlash and the fine, Khristian Boyd took to Instagram to express his regret, stating, "I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury." Boyd’s public apology, while important, did little to quell the discontent amongst the Eagles and their supporters who felt an injustice had been served.
The incident has also ignited debate over the officiating standards in the NFL. Many criticized the officials for their delayed reaction to the hit, suggesting a need for more immediate and decisive action to protect players. This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of football, and the responsibility officials hold in maintaining player safety through vigilant officiating.
As the NFL Season progresses, the aftermath of this incident will likely foster discussions on improving protocols and policies to better safeguard players, ensuring hits like the one on DeVonta Smith are handled with the urgency and seriousness they warrant. The league must balance punitive measures and preventive strategies to minimize such dangerous plays, preserving the integrity and safety of the sport.