Posted on Nov 12
Ravens' Roquan Smith has fine rescinded for tackle on Chris Godwin
u/alex •
Roquan Smith's fine for an unnecessary roughness penalty on Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has been rescinded after a successful appeal.
Why it matters: The NFL's decision to overturn the fine raises questions about the consistency of officiating and the ambiguity surrounding the league's rules on tackling techniques.
What's new: Roquan Smith, the Ravens linebacker, appealed the $16,883 fine imposed on him for a hip-drop tackle that resulted in Godwin's season-ending ankle injury. The appeal was successful, and the fine has been rescinded.
Yes, but: The incident highlights the ongoing debate over player safety and the balance between enforcing rules and allowing physicality in the game.
What to watch: The NFL's unanimous vote to ban hip-drop tackles in March indicates a recognition of the potential injury risks associated with this technique.
- The league reviewed 20,000 tackles from the 2022-2023 season and concluded that hip-drop tackles cause lower extremity injuries at a significantly higher rate.
What's next: The impact of the overturned fine on future officiating decisions remains to be seen, as officials may now approach similar plays with increased scrutiny.
The bottom line: While player safety is paramount, the NFL must ensure consistency in applying and interpreting its rules to maintain integrity and fairness across the league.
- Roquan Smith's remarks reflect the inherent physicality of the game and the players' intentions to compete without causing harm.
Our thought bubble: The NFL should continue refining its tackling rules and provide clearer guidelines to ensure player safety while minimizing controversies like this.
By the numbers: Roquan Smith, a two-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker, ranks fourth in the NFL with 97 tackles, demonstrating his impact on the field.
- The successful appeal also highlights the importance of players having a platform to challenge disciplinary actions they believe are unjust.