Posted on Oct 28
Bradley Bozeman defends Justin Herbert, labels Nathan Shepherd's play "one of the dirtier" ones.
u/alex •
Saints' Nathan Shepherd's play sparks controversy and raises questions about dirty play in the NFL.
Why it matters: The incident involving Nathan Shepherd twisting Justin Herbert's ankle highlights concerns about player safety and sportsmanship in professional football.
What's new: During the game between the Saints and Chargers, Shepherd and Bradley Bozeman both received unnecessary roughness penalties after Shepherd appeared to twist Herbert's ankle. Bozeman intervened to protect his quarterback by pinning Shepherd to the ground.
Yes, but: Different perspectives emerge regarding Shepherd's intentions and the nature of the play:
- Dennis Allen, Saints' coach, defends Shepherd, stating that there was no malice involved.
- Bradley Bozeman, Chargers' center, describes the play as one of the dirtier he has witnessed.
- Khalen Saunders, Shepherd's teammate, claims that Shepherd was attempting to make a play and did not intentionally try to injure Herbert.
- Justin Herbert appreciates Bozeman's actions and acknowledges his dedication to the team.
What to watch: The NFL may review the incident to determine if further action is necessary, such as fines or suspensions for the involved players.
The bottom line: The incident raises questions about player conduct on the field and the league's responsibility to maintain a safe and fair environment for all athletes.
By the numbers:
- This is the second time this season that a Saints defensive lineman has been accused of dirty play.
- Rookie Khristian Boyd was fined $4,600 for hitting DeVonta Smith in the helmet area.
Our thought bubble: The NFL should emphasize sportsmanship and fair play through stricter enforcement of penalties and potential disciplinary measures.
Zoom out: The incident brings attention to the ongoing discussion surrounding player safety and the need for clearer guidelines regarding acceptable behavior on the field.
Zoom in: The focus now shifts to the league's response and whether they will take action to address the issue of dirty play.
What's next: The NFL may announce fines or suspensions for the players involved, depending on their investigation and assessment of the situation.