Read the opposing argument from Bleacher Fan.
I, like most of you, watched in horror at the multiple terrifying hits that took place on Sunday across the NFL. Afterward, I had a feeling that pundits would be calling for something to be done, and that this would be a water cooler topic amongst analysts on various Sunday night highlight shows. The word “suspension” quickly entered the discussion, and after a couple of days of deliberation, the NFL has decided to suspend those who deliver “devastating hits” and “head shots”.
Let me say this – I think this is a terrible idea.
Do not misunderstand me. I am very sensitive to those who have experienced concussions. Obviously, I don’t want to see any player suffer a head related injury (or any injury for that matter). I have been at games where a player lies motionless for minutes after suffering a blow to the head, and when you hear an announcer say ‘You can hear a pin drop in the stadium,” they aren’t kidding. But to make this extreme of a move, especially in the MIDDLE of the season, it is too drastic.
First of all, someone needs to accurately explain to me what a “devastating hit” is in the game of football. To me, a devastating hit is the one Dunta Robinson laid on DeSean Jackson (Robinson is actually appealing the $50,000 fine he received on Tuesday). It is something that looks bad in person, and on replay, but is perfectly legal. It is one that makes the crowd go “Oooh!” and “Aahhh!” and makes the viewer turn their head.
It is one that is allowed in the NFL.
The NFL is walking a thin line by threatening to bring in a lot of grey area, and I’m afraid the NFL could become the NFFL (the National Flag Football League). If the league imposes this suspension lunacy beginning this weekend, which it apparently is going to do, then how are guys like James Harrison supposed to suddenly change their style seven weeks into a season?
Harrison has repeatedly said he hopes he hurts, but not injures the players he hits. According to him, if he hits hard enough, the receiver will think about it the next time he comes across the middle of the field. How many times have you heard a coach say that?
With regard to making a midseason change, Scott Fujita had an interesting take when calling into a New Orleans radio show Tuesday. He began by discussing the hypocrisy of the NFL, who on one hand wants an 18 game season, but on the other states they want to protect the safety of the players. Then, he talks about how football players, specifically defensive players, are taught to play a certain way, and that it is hard to change that. He says, “When you’re running full speed at a guy, it’s hard to change your trajectory angle. It’s difficult. Those guys at the safety position, they’re safeties for a reason. They’re there to prevent big plays. They are there to SEPARATE a guy from the ball. That’s what they are supposed to do. I think their hands are kind of tied.”
Well said, Mr. Fujita – I couldn’t have said it better myself. There is just too much to be worked out to make this change midseason.
