Posted on Nov 12
Ravens' Roquan Smith has fine rescinded for tackle on Chris Godwin
Posted Nov 12, 2024
Roquan Smith's fine for an unnecessary roughness penalty on Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has been rescinded after a successful appeal.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 The appeal was successful, and the fine has been rescinded.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.