In Week 3 of the NFL season, the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles was overshadowed by a controversial hit involving Saints rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd and Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Boyd has been fined $4,600 for his hit on Smith, an incident that occurred at a pivotal moment during the game and resulted in significant criticism toward the officiating team.
The Incident
The hit took place in a critical situation, where DeVonta Smith was left concussed and unable to continue. Initially, Boyd was not penalized for the hit during the game, leading many to question the referees' handling of the situation. Fred Johnson, who witnessed the hit first-hand, described the moments following the incident: "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."
Khristian Boyd’s fine was calculated at 10% of his salary cap number, slightly over $839,000. 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, therefore, reflects a fraction of the potential maximum fine.
Aftermath and Reactions
Following the incident, Smith was absent from the Eagles' practice on Wednesday and was later diagnosed with a concussion. His participation in the upcoming game now depends on him clearing the NFL's concussion protocol, a critical step to ensure his safety and well-being.
The reaction from within the Eagles camp has been one of outrage and disappointment. C.J. Gardner-Johnson did not hold back his feelings, stating, "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."
Boyd's Response
Despite the criticism, Khristian Boyd expressed his regret over the incident to Smith via Instagram, stating, "I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury." Boyd's communication indicates his awareness and remorse, although the hit’s impact and the absence of an immediate penalty have painted a different narrative.
Referees Under Fire
The officials were subjected to significant scrutiny for their delayed reaction to the hit. Many felt that Smith's vulnerable position when he was hit should have prompted immediate action, with Fred Johnson pointing out, “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."
This incident has sparked a renewed conversation about player safety and the role of officials in enforcing the rules to protect players. The NFL has continually emphasized the importance of safeguarding athletes, especially when it comes to hits on defenseless players. However, incidents like this suggest there is still work to be done.
Looking Forward
As Smith focuses on his recovery, the Eagles are preparing contingently for their next game, highlighting the importance of player readiness and safety protocols. Moving forward, both teams and officials are likely to be more vigilant in similar scenarios to prevent such incidents and uphold the integrity of the game.
The hit on Smith is a stark reminder of the physical risks involved in professional football. It also underscores the ongoing efforts required to protect players, ensuring both fair play and the well-being of athletes in one of the most physically demanding sports.