Boldin (1 Viewer)

[Tecumseh]

Interesting conversation. I thought the guy who hit Boldin from behind was the one launching himself and leading with his helmet. I don't really fault the guy in front at all.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Still waiting for that magic explanation why it was illegal other than "it was". It further seems to me that if it was such a horrific cheap shot that there would be at least one player or coach saying something about it. Instead the only report about players said that they didn't think it was a cheap shot (see post above for quote) and there was no flag for what you claim isn't even debateable (not that refs are anywhere near perfect).

The hit was clearly illegal. In the NFL Rule Book, Rule 12 under Impermissible Use of Helmet and Facemask calls "using any part of a player’s helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/“hairline” parts) or facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily" a 15 yard unnecessary roughness penalty.What the players and coaches have to say about the matter really doesn't matter either. On questionable plays you often have players on both sides of the issue throwing there feelings and opinions out there. Since each and every person has a different definition of what a "dirty" play is, it doesn't seem realistic to rely on their opinions, especially considering that most players asked for their opinion on the matter will have a personal stake in what answer they give, regardless of which side of fence they are on.

There should have been a flag. Saying that the play must be legal because there was no flag is kinda silly, isn't it? The refs blow calls all the time. The NFL fines players for illegal hits where there was no flag on the actual play with regularity. Looking at the rule, I really don't see how anyone can argue that the hit (and maybe even both hits, if you really want to be a stickler) was legal. You launch yourself into the air and hit a guy with your helmet, regardless if it was helmet to helmet, it's an illegal hit.

It was certainly violent. Vicious even, but I don't know that intent can be established here. Yes, he was looking for a big hit, but I don't think it was necessarily with the intent to purposefully injure. As far as we know the intent was to knock the ball out.

His intent doesn't really matter. He led with his helmet, he left his feet and he hit Boldin with his helmet. It's a spear and there should have been a flag. I don't think there is any way to tell his intent. Personally, I doubt Smith was standing there, pre-play, thinking to himself that he hoped he had a shot to seriously injure a player. He probably feels horrible about the whole thing for all we know. But the bottom line is that he clearly broke the rules and the NFL has a history of fining people in this situation. I'd be shocked if they didn't fine him, especially considering Roger Goodell just reminded all teams specifically about hits like this.Personally, I'm betting he was all jacked up on the big win, he was looking to make a big hit, got overzealous and took advantage of the situation without really thinking. I doubt he had evil intentions. But that doesn't change the fact that it was a cheap shot. Or the fact that it's an illegal hit. Or the fact that it's a very dangerous play, both for himself and other players. Or that it really has no place in the game and the league is specifically cracking down on these types of hits.

A bonehead move. But he probably deserves a fine and I don't think I'd feel bad for him if he got a suspension out of the deal, though I suspect that won't happen.

 

[Chairshot]

His intent doesn't really matter.

I agree that the intent doesn't matter when possibly assessing a fine, but can you address some of the comments in this thread? Was it despicable? Was it malicious? Those are all about intent.

None of us know what he was thinking or what his intent was. I'm usually the type of guy that gives people the benefit of the doubt. But we do know that given the rules and the almost *constant* recent reminders from the league that there is virtually no way Smith thinks what he did was legal.So, was he trying to hurt Boldin? I don't know and I doubt any of us ever will, unless Smith comes right out and says that's what he was trying to do. Did he willfully break the rules and intentionally act in a way that is very dangerous for himself and others? Yeah, he did. Players are responsible for their actions. Smith did what he did of his own accord. Personally, I think he probably got caught up in the heat of the moment, wanted to make a big hit and didn't really think about how it might effect himself and others. Careless, thoughtless and boneheaded. At best, it could be considered willful negligence, at worst intent to injure. Either way, both he and Boldin will be lucky to be free of long term damage from his actions. BY pretty much any social or legal standard we use, willful negligence carries a price, as it should.As far as if he lowered his head or not, I really don't know what to say. He did lower his head. The part of his helmet that hit Boldin's helmet was the shell, not the face mask; first contact was made between the hairline and the crown of the helmet. Everyone else seems to see that, not really sure why you don't. Regardless, even if he did hit with his face mask first (which he didn't), it's still considered the same thing and just as dangerous by the rule book. You don't lead with your head, you lead with your shoulder. That's proper technique and it's taught from pee wee on up, or at least it should be.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Still waiting for that magic explanation why it was illegal other than "it was". It further seems to me that if it was such a horrific cheap shot that there would be at least one player or coach saying something about it. Instead the only report about players said that they didn't think it was a cheap shot (see post above for quote) and there was no flag for what you claim isn't even debateable (not that refs are anywhere near perfect).

The hit was clearly illegal. In the NFL Rule Book, Rule 12 under Impermissible Use of Helmet and Facemask calls "using any part of a player’s helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/“hairline” parts) or facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily" a 15 yard unnecessary roughness penalty.What the players and coaches have to say about the matter really doesn't matter either. On questionable plays you often have players on both sides of the issue throwing there feelings and opinions out there. Since each and every person has a different definition of what a "dirty" play is, it doesn't seem realistic to rely on their opinions, especially considering that most players asked for their opinion on the matter will have a personal stake in what answer they give, regardless of which side of fence they are on.

There should have been a flag. Saying that the play must be legal because there was no flag is kinda silly, isn't it? The refs blow calls all the time. The NFL fines players for illegal hits where there was no flag on the actual play with regularity. Looking at the rule, I really don't see how anyone can argue that the hit (and maybe even both hits, if you really want to be a stickler) was legal. You launch yourself into the air and hit a guy with your helmet, regardless if it was helmet to helmet, it's an illegal hit.

I never even came close to saying that it must be legal if there was no flag, in fact I think I made it clear with the bolded part of my post. My main contention has always been that Q getting hit from behind made the hit into h2h that wasn't intended and possibly would've not happened at all. Whether or not the rules allow for some review of the hit to determine if there were extenuating circumstances (like the hit from behind). Seemed to me that Smith was trying to raise his arms for a more "legal" hit and the pinball prevented that and made it into a h2h.

My point about other players. coaches and reporters (and the non flag) was in response to all the people calling it undebateable, horrific, despicable and all the other adjectives about it that were over the top. If it was so bad, why is not one person saying so? Of course it isn't a realistic measure, but if it's so bad as some here claim, I would think that at least one person outside of a Cards fan would say so publicly.

I'm up in the air for if there will be a fine. I think if you want to be a stickler then you can't fine him because there's no way to know if the hit would've been h2h had Boldin not been hit from behind. There have been plenty of injury hits that have gone unfined. EJ Henderson on Hasselbeck, Kimo on Palmer, some Niner on Payne, the hit on Brady etc... and most of those involved a third player influencing the motion of one oft he two players involved which is clearly what happened here.

I do appreciate actual facts and a decent argument being presented into this discussion, but I disagree that it was a cheap shot. Even if it gets fined I believe it will be because they deem it a dangerous play and not because it was cheap or dirty. But the pinballing makes it unfair to Smith to assign a dirty label on him.

The hit from behind is a red herring IMO, if that 1st hit hadn't happened, no one would be arguing at all whether the 2nd hit was a penalty or intentional H2H.Watch the downfield view starting at :35 of this clip

The hit from behind moves Boldin's head a few inches at best and happens just a split second before the 2nd hit, i.e the 1st hit doesn't really matter (from an intention point of view), the 2nd hit was already lined up and on its way and hit nearly where it would have without the 1st hit.

The 2nd hit would have been H2H no matter what, and the 2nd hit was clearly intentionally spearing.

I have NO DOUBT the NFL fines this hit heavily and a suspension would not surprise me.

This is mostly the way I see it. The hit from behind barely moved Boldins head forward before he was hit again and had little bearing on the hit. The part that I am not sure of was INTENTIONAL spearing. What I mean is that IMO Smith didn't intentionally try and spear Boldin, but he made a bad and illegal decision to launch helmet first, but it was more reactionary.

 

[Chairshot]

This is mostly the way I see it. The hit from behind barely moved Boldins head forward before he was hit again and had little bearing on the hit. The part that I am not sure of was INTENTIONAL spearing. What I mean is that IMO Smith didn't intentionally try and spear Boldin, but he made a bad and illegal decision to launch helmet first, but it was more reactionary.

I don't really get why his intentions are even in the picture. At some point willful negligence basically over rides what your intentions are.To use an extreme example: let's say I hit the Powerball and decide to go to the bar to celebrate. I drink a bunch of beers and I don't even care that my tires are bald and my brakes are starting to fail on my old beat up Buick. Let's say in the process of heading home, I end up speeding, running a red light, hoping a curb and running down 3 people. I didn't have any bad *intentions*, I'm a nice guy, I'm just caught up in the moment, the celebration of my life. I didn't want to hurt anyone.Now, honestly, what judge or jury is going to absolve me because I "didn't mean to hurt anyone" or because I didn't have "bad intentions"? I'm still responsible for my horrendous decision making and the results of those decisions.Obviously, what Smith did wasn't as bad as that extreme example. But if you were making a list of "Horribly Irresponsible Things You Can Do on a Football Field", what Smith did on that Boldin play would have to be on the top of the list. There is no way Smith thinks what he did was legal, the league has reminded the teams and players over and over about exactly this type of hit.It's a dirty play regardless of his intentions. This isn't about character judgments. Smith may or may not be a nice guy. He may never throw another dirty hit again in his career, he may throw 100. We don't know any of that stuff and we probably never will. We just know the facts: lowered his head, left his feet, led with his helmet. That's a dirty play, regardless of his mental state or feelings leading up to it.

 

[Steady Mooobin]

This is mostly the way I see it. The hit from behind barely moved Boldins head forward before he was hit again and had little bearing on the hit. The part that I am not sure of was INTENTIONAL spearing. What I mean is that IMO Smith didn't intentionally try and spear Boldin, but he made a bad and illegal decision to launch helmet first, but it was more reactionary.

I don't really get why his intentions are even in the picture. At some point willful negligence basically over rides what your intentions are.To use an extreme example: let's say I hit the Powerball and decide to go to the bar to celebrate. I drink a bunch of beers and I don't even care that my tires are bald and my brakes are starting to fail on my old beat up Buick. Let's say in the process of heading home, I end up speeding, running a red light, hoping a curb and running down 3 people. I didn't have any bad *intentions*, I'm a nice guy, I'm just caught up in the moment, the celebration of my life. I didn't want to hurt anyone.Now, honestly, what judge or jury is going to absolve me because I "didn't mean to hurt anyone" or because I didn't have "bad intentions"? I'm still responsible for my horrendous decision making and the results of those decisions.Obviously, what Smith did wasn't as bad as that extreme example. But if you were making a list of "Horribly Irresponsible Things You Can Do on a Football Field", what Smith did on that Boldin play would have to be on the top of the list. There is no way Smith thinks what he did was legal, the league has reminded the teams and players over and over about exactly this type of hit.It's a dirty play regardless of his intentions. This isn't about character judgments. Smith may or may not be a nice guy. He may never throw another dirty hit again in his career, he may throw 100. We don't know any of that stuff and we probably never will. We just know the facts: lowered his head, left his feet, led with his helmet. That's a dirty play, regardless of his mental state or feelings leading up to it.

I'm sorry, I stopped reading after you went WAAAAAY off the deep end and lost your mind.

 

[Avery]

This is mostly the way I see it. The hit from behind barely moved Boldins head forward before he was hit again and had little bearing on the hit. The part that I am not sure of was INTENTIONAL spearing. What I mean is that IMO Smith didn't intentionally try and spear Boldin, but he made a bad and illegal decision to launch helmet first, but it was more reactionary.

I don't really get why his intentions are even in the picture. At some point willful negligence basically over rides what your intentions are.To use an extreme example: let's say I hit the Powerball and decide to go to the bar to celebrate. I drink a bunch of beers and I don't even care that my tires are bald and my brakes are starting to fail on my old beat up Buick. Let's say in the process of heading home, I end up speeding, running a red light, hoping a curb and running down 3 people. I didn't have any bad *intentions*, I'm a nice guy, I'm just caught up in the moment, the celebration of my life. I didn't want to hurt anyone.Now, honestly, what judge or jury is going to absolve me because I "didn't mean to hurt anyone" or because I didn't have "bad intentions"? I'm still responsible for my horrendous decision making and the results of those decisions.Obviously, what Smith did wasn't as bad as that extreme example. But if you were making a list of "Horribly Irresponsible Things You Can Do on a Football Field", what Smith did on that Boldin play would have to be on the top of the list. There is no way Smith thinks what he did was legal, the league has reminded the teams and players over and over about exactly this type of hit.It's a dirty play regardless of his intentions. This isn't about character judgments. Smith may or may not be a nice guy. He may never throw another dirty hit again in his career, he may throw 100. We don't know any of that stuff and we probably never will. We just know the facts: lowered his head, left his feet, led with his helmet. That's a dirty play, regardless of his mental state or feelings leading up to it.

I'm sorry, I stopped reading after you went WAAAAAY off the deep end and lost your mind.

I actually thought that it was a decent analogy for the situation. The Boldin hit could have easily gone the way of the infamous punch that Kermit Washington delivered to the face of Rudy Tomjanovich.I realize that that was a fight and this was a play in the game, but Washington by all accounts (including Tomjanovich's I believe) acted "instinctively", had no malice or intent yet the results were horrific and his life long reputation suffered.Edit to add: Washington, BTW, was regarded as a super nice guy before the incident.

 

[NoFBinLA]

Just FYI - even Jets columnists are thinking Smith should be suspended:

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/football/bob_blog/2008/09/eric_smith_should_be_suspended.html

Linky

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/126949

Anquan Boldin, back in the Valley, is resting comfortably after taking a nasty head-to-head hit from Eric Smith of the New York Jets.

Tests on Boldin’s spine as well as neurological exams at a New York City hospital showed that Boldin is fine, coach Ken Whisenhunt indicated Monday. Boldin returned to Arizona Sunday night.

Whisenhunt said NFL officials “will look into this and address it,” adding that Smith’s hit is of the sort “that’s dangerous to players.”

“The commissioner (Roger Goodell) has made it very clear that player safety is an important issue,” Whisenhunt said.

“If anything, you have to err on the side of player safety, which I believe the commissioner is trying to do.”

For now, Boldin needs to rest and be checked out further, said Whisenhunt, who said he’s unsure whether Boldin suffered a concussion.

No decision on Boldin’s playing status for Sunday’s home game vs. Buffalo has been made.

“Anquan’s history is he’s a very tough player. That’s borne out over time. I don’t know if we can make any type of judgment about that now.

“His health is the main concern of the team. We’ll see how he progresses once we get him in here and get him looked at.”

 

[glock]

I didn't read much of the infantile posts in this thread, but I can't believe there is any debate about whether the hit that caused the injury was illegal.

I was watching the game and saw it live and I immediately knew the hit was illegal. Dude, the guy left his feet and launched into Boldin, head to freaking head. That hit is the definition of what the rule is intended to protect against.

I would be very surprised if he doesn't get suspended for a game, or maybe more. IMO, he certainly should be. Heat of the moment or no, that hit was intended to hurt the WR, not tackle him.

"Objection. Your honor, this is pure conjecture. There is no way to determine that players intent from this film clip."

 

[mad sweeney]

Just FYI - even Jets columnists are thinking Smith should be suspended:

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/football/bob_blog/2008/09/eric_smith_should_be_suspended.html

Linky

Even in the clip from this Jets site, I still see Smith coming with his head up, hitting his facemask very low on Q's after Q is knocked from behind. Head up, lower than Q's head and a big push from behind.

 

[Chairshot]

I'm sorry, I stopped reading after you went WAAAAAY off the deep end and lost your mind.

This is the second post in this thread you have made just to let people know that you've "stopped reading". Why bother?You think it's a legal hit. The rules say it's not.

 

[Chairshot]

Even in the clip from this Jets site, I still see Smith coming with his head up, hitting his facemask very low on Q's after Q is knocked from behind. Head up, lower than Q's head and a big push from behind.

Most people are seeing something different then you see. Even still, if the play happened exactly as you've described, in what way does that make it a legal hit?

 

[Da Guru]

Even in the clip from this Jets site, I still see Smith coming with his head up, hitting his facemask very low on Q's after Q is knocked from behind. Head up, lower than Q's head and a big push from behind.

Most people are seeing something different then you see. Even still, if the play happened exactly as you've described, in what way does that make it a legal hit?

This is NFL football, Boldin just got his bell rung a little..he will be fine.

 

[JuSt CuZ]

Mon, Sep 29 Chris Mortensen, of ESPN, reports Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (head) returned home to Arizona and has no spinal damage. He will be re-evaluated Monday, Sept. 29, and the team thinks he will be OK. (KFFL)

 

[Liquid Tension]

This is mostly the way I see it. The hit from behind barely moved Boldins head forward before he was hit again and had little bearing on the hit. The part that I am not sure of was INTENTIONAL spearing. What I mean is that IMO Smith didn't intentionally try and spear Boldin, but he made a bad and illegal decision to launch helmet first, but it was more reactionary.

I don't really get why his intentions are even in the picture. At some point willful negligence basically over rides what your intentions are.To use an extreme example: let's say I hit the Powerball and decide to go to the bar to celebrate. I drink a bunch of beers and I don't even care that my tires are bald and my brakes are starting to fail on my old beat up Buick. Let's say in the process of heading home, I end up speeding, running a red light, hoping a curb and running down 3 people. I didn't have any bad *intentions*, I'm a nice guy, I'm just caught up in the moment, the celebration of my life. I didn't want to hurt anyone.Now, honestly, what judge or jury is going to absolve me because I "didn't mean to hurt anyone" or because I didn't have "bad intentions"? I'm still responsible for my horrendous decision making and the results of those decisions.Obviously, what Smith did wasn't as bad as that extreme example. But if you were making a list of "Horribly Irresponsible Things You Can Do on a Football Field", what Smith did on that Boldin play would have to be on the top of the list. There is no way Smith thinks what he did was legal, the league has reminded the teams and players over and over about exactly this type of hit.It's a dirty play regardless of his intentions. This isn't about character judgments. Smith may or may not be a nice guy. He may never throw another dirty hit again in his career, he may throw 100. We don't know any of that stuff and we probably never will. We just know the facts: lowered his head, left his feet, led with his helmet. That's a dirty play, regardless of his mental state or feelings leading up to it.

I am not disagreeing that his intentions don't matter (I was responding to another post) when you are talking about a fine/suspension/penalty, but to use your example, there is intention when you are talking about a crime such as the degree of murder. FWIW, I think players are or should be always looking to hit a guy cleanly but as hard as possible and if it knocks him out for the game that is fine...as long as it is clean.

 

[Chairshot]

I am not disagreeing that his intentions don't matter (I was responding to another post) when you are talking about a fine/suspension/penalty, but to use your example, there is intention when you are talking about a crime such as the degree of murder. FWIW, I think players are or should be always looking to hit a guy cleanly but as hard as possible and if it knocks him out for the game that is fine...as long as it is clean.

I realize my example was an over the top one, just to partially paint a picture. My point with using it was more to say that regardless of the drunk driver's punishment, no one is going to say that he isn't responsible for his actions and that he should be held accountable to the law. Some people here feel that the hit was either a) legal or b) illegal but that Smith shouldn't be held accountable because he was just "trying to play football" or didn't have "bad intentions". Which is the part I don't get.I agree that if a clean, legal hit results in an injury that it's just an unfortunate part of the game and the hitter shouldn't be held responsible for the injury as he is playing within the rules of the game. Since this hit wasn't clean or legal, I think it's fair that Smith be held accountable for his hit, regardless of his intentions.

 

[NoFBinLA]

Just FYI - even Jets columnists are thinking Smith should be suspended:

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/football/bob_blog/2008/09/eric_smith_should_be_suspended.html

Linky

Even in the clip from this Jets site, I still see Smith coming with his head up, hitting his facemask very low on Q's after Q is knocked from behind. Head up, lower than Q's head and a big push from behind.

See what I think this is about is that Smith lost control of his body by launching himself through the air - he put himself into a situation that - even if he had a chance -he could not avoid the helmet to helmet contact. It's something the NFL is concerned about - playing recklessly - and that's what he did. That he would have hit Boldin in the chest to knock the ball loose is almost irrelevant. I'm not saying don't hit him - but when you leave your feet like that, you're just hoping for the best and this time it didn't happen. As far as I know it isn't 'helmet to helmet is illegal if you really didn't mean it', it's 'helmet to helmet is illegal'. Smith - though he didn't intend to hurt Boldin, did. That it was purely bad luck is almost besides the point - he never should have left his feet like that.Now, interestingly when I watch that clip, it looks to me like his hands come up to Boldin's upper arms at contact -as if he was looking to wrap him up. So maybe he was intending to grab him and when they knocked domes, he was stunned to and never finished the motion. I dunno, as has been proven by this thread, intent is impossible to deduce and really not the point. The fact that his head was up is also irrelevant - he was not in control of his body. It's the launch that makes a difference to me - had he been running forward and it happened I might be able to swallow the excuse that 'well he wasn't looking to lay him out' or whatever the argument is.

(And all of the above coming from the standpoint of, by the time I saw the play, I had heard about it a million times and frankly it's hard to see it fresh when I have people telling me how bad it is and the knowledge that it sent Boldin to the hospital. It looks much worse when you slow it down 50 times and repeat it another 50.)

Now, is it something worthy of a suspension? I dunno - Goodell has been a little inconsistent on that note and this has the awful timing of happening right after the Commissioner's 'Be careful guys' memo. Fair or not. timing is everything and Smith may get a harder slap than normal as he was first to have this happen post-memo.

And all the above is coming from a die hard Jets fan.

BTW 'this Jets site' is Newsday, not some fan blog.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Even in the clip from this Jets site, I still see Smith coming with his head up, hitting his facemask very low on Q's after Q is knocked from behind. Head up, lower than Q's head and a big push from behind.

Most people are seeing something different then you see. Even still, if the play happened exactly as you've described, in what way does that make it a legal hit?

This is NFL football, Boldin just got his bell rung a little..he will be fine.

That hit was ''old school football''....and the new ,kinder more gentle nfl dont roll like dat no mo`!!!Funny thing is Smith rang his own bell pretty good...i doubt he was intending to do that...just sayin`

 

[kutta]

I thought this was an absolutely despicable play. You're up 30 points with a couple minutes to go, and you lay an absolutely filthy hit on an opposing player like that? Boldin is a class act and has played with heart and determination since he came into the league. He's the model NFL player. Hate to see something so awful happen to such a good guy.

All of that said, most importantly, I'm glad the early reports are good. The biggest concern was neck injury, so the fact that he doesn't have one is fantastic.

Still a horrid play by the Jets there and, if it weren't for the illegal hit, would have been another tremendous play by Anquan Boldin.

Also, I've gotta say F Warner and the Cardinals for going out and continuing the drive after the injury. That was disgraceful.

Was there a flag thrown for illegal hit?

Does that change something for you?

It's not an illegal hit. So unless/until the league comes out and says it was illegal it shouldn't be called such. And I'm of the opinion that it was a clean hit anyways so the non flag doesn't change anything for me at all except reinforce what I see.

You're either arguing for the sake of being a Jets fan or arguing for the same of argument. Either way, typical "shark" pool stuff. That was a classically illegal hit and there's no two ways about it. Sorry.I'm glad I haven't read the other posts in the thread if this is the way things have been going.

You've got some pretty thin skin if this little bit between us is enough to turn you off. I am simply arguing for the sake of my opinion on the matter. You call it an illegal hit, what is your criteria for that? What rule did it violate? What makes you think it was malicious or intentional or despicable? I laid out step by step my reasoning for seeing it as an unfortunate but legal hit and all I get back from you is attitude without counter argument. If you want to make a point, back it up but don't start throwing out the "you'r a blank fan" as one of your arguments. About the only thing I like about the Jets is their uniforms today and although a Seahawks fan I am extremely unbiased when it comes to player safety. Now, if you have anything to say that involves a logical breakdown of the play and doesn't rely on exaggeration or hyperbole then present them.

Link

NEW YORK -- Commissioner Roger Goodell is cracking down on safety in the NFL.

Goodell on Wednesday sent a memo to each team warning that even first-time offenders face disciplinary action for "any conduct that unnecessarily risks the safety of other players."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed that Goodell's memo put the teams on alert over the issue of safety.

"From this point forward, you should be clear on the following point: Any conduct that unnecessarily risks the safety of other players has no role in the game of football and will be disciplined at increased levels, including on a first offense," Goodell wrote in the memo. "Playing by the rules shows respect for your fellow players. No one wants to see unnecessary injuries."

The directive from Goodell came one day after the league suspended Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Elbert Mack one game without pay for one game for his second flagrant violation of player safety rules this season.

On a interception last Sunday, Mack launched himself into Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan and made aggressive helmet-to-helmet contact.

Ray Anderson, NFL executive vice president of football operations, issued the suspension which will sideline Mack for the Buccaneers' game at the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

"Your actions are of particular concern in light of the emphasis that our office has placed on developing and enforcing rules designed to protect players from injury, including concussions," Anderson said in a letter to Mack. "The safety of our players is paramount to all of us in the NFL."

 

[Otis]

The announcers on MNF just said something about a suspension resulting from the Boldin hit. Did I hear that right?

Did the league check with Mad Sweeney first?

 

[cobalt_27]

The announcers on MNF just said something about a suspension resulting from the Boldin hit. Did I hear that right?Did the league check with Mad Sweeney first?

Thankfully not.

 

[PatrickT]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.

Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.

I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

 

[GoldenBear]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

I completely agree...RHODES was the one that launched himself like a missile, causing Boldin to jerk forward right into the path of Smith's helmet. Doesn't matter, though; Smith got the suspension.

 

[Otis]

Paging Mad Sweeney for his thoughts on this legal hit.

 

[mad sweeney]

Paging Mad Sweeney for his thoughts on this legal hit.

What a tool. I stated my opinion and I was apparently wrong, whoopey effing doo. I stand by the way I view it and recognize the league's right to see it differently. If you look at most of the comments made about it a large majority are saying that it wasn't dirty or cheap, just that it was dangerous. And if you further read my posts you'll see that that's what I've repeartedly said (although logic and comprehension don't seem to be your strong points). I'm surprised they suspended him, but I never said they wouldn't fine or suspend him, just that I didn't think they should. I'm man enough to admit that I was wrong but at least I laid out my reasons for why instead of being a tool with little to no rationale behind his/her arguments other than "it was". And acting like a tool after an announcement of which you had not part of is read. Congratulations, you must feel so vindicated.

 

[cobalt_27]

Paging Mad Sweeney for his thoughts on this legal hit.

What a tool. I stated my opinion and I was apparently wrong, whoopey effing doo. I stand by the way I view it and recognize the league's right to see it differently. If you look at most of the comments made about it a large majority are saying that it wasn't dirty or cheap, just that it was dangerous. And if you further read my posts you'll see that that's what I've repeartedly said (although logic and comprehension don't seem to be your strong points). I'm surprised they suspended him, but I never said they wouldn't fine or suspend him, just that I didn't think they should. I'm man enough to admit that I was wrong but at least I laid out my reasons for why instead of being a tool with little to no rationale behind his/her arguments other than "it was". And acting like a tool after an announcement of which you had not part of is read. Congratulations, you must feel so vindicated.

We need to get you another word for "tool." I think we figured it out the first and second time you used it. By the third time, you just get boring to read.

 

[mad sweeney]

Paging Mad Sweeney for his thoughts on this legal hit.

What a tool. I stated my opinion and I was apparently wrong, whoopey effing doo. I stand by the way I view it and recognize the league's right to see it differently. If you look at most of the comments made about it a large majority are saying that it wasn't dirty or cheap, just that it was dangerous. And if you further read my posts you'll see that that's what I've repeartedly said (although logic and comprehension don't seem to be your strong points). I'm surprised they suspended him, but I never said they wouldn't fine or suspend him, just that I didn't think they should. I'm man enough to admit that I was wrong but at least I laid out my reasons for why instead of being a tool with little to no rationale behind his/her arguments other than "it was". And acting like a tool after an announcement of which you had not part of is read. Congratulations, you must feel so vindicated.

We need to get you another word for "tool." I think we figured it out the first and second time you used it. By the third time, you just get boring to read.

If it looks like a duck..

 

[Sammy B]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.

Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.

I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

Seriously? Looks like he lead with his shoulder.

 

[Scooby1974]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.

Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.

I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

Seriously? Looks like he lead with his shoulder.

I'm pretty sure that if he led with his shoulder, his helmet would not have been the first part of his body he hit Boldin with.

 

[Sammy B]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.

Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.

I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

Seriously? Looks like he lead with his shoulder.

I'm pretty sure that if he led with his shoulder, his helmet would not have been the first part of his body he hit Boldin with.

The thing is it wasn't the first thing that hit him. Rhodes' helmet was clearly to left of Q's helmet. Shoulder was first contact.

 

[Otis]

Paging Mad Sweeney for his thoughts on this legal hit.

What a tool. I stated my opinion and I was apparently wrong, whoopey effing doo. I stand by the way I view it and recognize the league's right to see it differently. If you look at most of the comments made about it a large majority are saying that it wasn't dirty or cheap, just that it was dangerous. And if you further read my posts you'll see that that's what I've repeartedly said (although logic and comprehension don't seem to be your strong points). I'm surprised they suspended him, but I never said they wouldn't fine or suspend him, just that I didn't think they should. I'm man enough to admit that I was wrong but at least I laid out my reasons for why instead of being a tool with little to no rationale behind his/her arguments other than "it was". And acting like a tool after an announcement of which you had not part of is read. Congratulations, you must feel so vindicated.

Hint: more words doesn't make posts better. HTH

 

[Scooby1974]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.

Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.

I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

Seriously? Looks like he lead with his shoulder.

I'm pretty sure that if he led with his shoulder, his helmet would not have been the first part of his body he hit Boldin with.

The thing is it wasn't the first thing that hit him. Rhodes' helmet was clearly to left of Q's helmet. Shoulder was first contact.

What clip are you watching? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub1_k1VA1C0 Heads collide and both men go down after Smith launches himself into Boldin.If Smith lets up, I've got no problem with a resulting injury. Since when does anyone catch a ball with their head anyway? It seems that if you were trying to jar the ball loose the best way to do that would be to hit a man in the breadbasket where he holds the ball.

Cheap shot...good move by the NFL to fine and suspend Smith.

 

[Da Guru]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

How many leagues do you have Boldin in??

 

[Sammy B]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.

Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.

I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

Seriously? Looks like he lead with his shoulder.

I'm pretty sure that if he led with his shoulder, his helmet would not have been the first part of his body he hit Boldin with.

The thing is it wasn't the first thing that hit him. Rhodes' helmet was clearly to left of Q's helmet. Shoulder was first contact.

What clip are you watching? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub1_k1VA1C0 Heads collide and both men go down after Smith launches himself into Boldin.If Smith lets up, I've got no problem with a resulting injury. Since when does anyone catch a ball with their head anyway? It seems that if you were trying to jar the ball loose the best way to do that would be to hit a man in the breadbasket where he holds the ball.

Cheap shot...good move by the NFL to fine and suspend Smith.

Watching the same clip everyone else is watching. When Rhodes comes into the play 27, replay), Q's helmet doesn't even move which leads me to believe there was no helmet-to-helmet between Rhodes and Q. It's clear that Q took the first shot from the shoulder. Text book shoulder lead.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

Stick to fantasy football, reading the box scores, the magazines and hero worshipping the "studs" on your roster.Football remains a violent contact sport played at a high speed.As recently as last year, I don't believe that Smith's hit even warrants a suspension. Now we are in a new era where Godell & Co. will freeze frame these types of hits and try to deem intent. So yes he will get some sanction but even the NFL, circa 2008, hands down the minimum level of suspension ( 1 game). Probably won't be appealed but it could be.The defender made an all out launch of his body in the air to break up a play. Due to other contact Boldin's own body position changed after the Jet player was already air borne. The point impact thus changed from Boldin's chest to his head. Yes, a really bad accident. Stuff happens. The veteran offical who was right on top of this play, seeing at real speed, threw no flag. Football will remain a violent sport. Those unfortunate enough to receive concussions should be very cautious upon returning to the NFL. I suggest that you direct your outrage at the NFL allowing multiple concussed players such as Trent Green to continue to put in harm's way than continue to legislate against these types of hits which to serve your end would soon result in prohibiting any defender to leave their feet in order to make a tackle. Go put an uniform and cleats on and propel your body in the air at a target and see how successful you are in precisely controlling the ulimate point of contact versus a moving target. Tell me how successful you are.

 

[Sammy B]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

Stick to fantasy football, reading the box scores, the magazines and hero worshipping the "studs" on your roster.Football remains a violent contact sport played at a high speed.As recently as last year, I don't believe that Smith's hit even warrants a suspension. Now we are in a new era where Godell & Co. will freeze frame these types of hits and try to deem intent. So yes he will get some sanction but even the NFL, circa 2008, hands down the minimum level of suspension ( 1 game). Probably won't be appealed but it could be.The defender made an all out launch of his body in the air to break up a play. Due to other contact Boldin's own body position changed after the Jet player was already air borne. The point impact thus changed from Boldin's chest to his head. Yes, a really bad accident. Stuff happens. The veteran offical who was right on top of this play, seeing at real speed, threw no flag. Football will remain a violent sport. Those unfortunate enough to receive concussions should be very cautious upon returning to the NFL. I suggest that you direct your outrage at the NFL allowing multiple concussed players such as Trent Green to continue to put in harm's way than continue to legislate against these types of hits which to serve your end would soon result in prohibiting any defender to leave their feet in order to make a tackle. Go put an uniform and cleats on and propel your body in the air at a target and see how successful you are in precisely controlling the ulimate point of contact versus a moving target. Tell me how successful you are.

Let's end this thread now.

 

[Scooby1974]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.

Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.

I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

Seriously? Looks like he lead with his shoulder.

I'm pretty sure that if he led with his shoulder, his helmet would not have been the first part of his body he hit Boldin with.

The thing is it wasn't the first thing that hit him. Rhodes' helmet was clearly to left of Q's helmet. Shoulder was first contact.

What clip are you watching? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub1_k1VA1C0 Heads collide and both men go down after Smith launches himself into Boldin.If Smith lets up, I've got no problem with a resulting injury. Since when does anyone catch a ball with their head anyway? It seems that if you were trying to jar the ball loose the best way to do that would be to hit a man in the breadbasket where he holds the ball.

Cheap shot...good move by the NFL to fine and suspend Smith.

Watching the same clip everyone else is watching. When Rhodes comes into the play 27, replay), Q's helmet doesn't even move which leads me to believe there was no helmet-to-helmet between Rhodes and Q. It's clear that Q took the first shot from the shoulder. Text book shoulder lead.

I am talking about SMITH leading with the shoulder, not Rhodes. Perhaps I'm confused here. Rhodes' play was clean.

 

[Sammy B]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.

Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.

I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

Seriously? Looks like he lead with his shoulder.

I'm pretty sure that if he led with his shoulder, his helmet would not have been the first part of his body he hit Boldin with.

The thing is it wasn't the first thing that hit him. Rhodes' helmet was clearly to left of Q's helmet. Shoulder was first contact.

What clip are you watching? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub1_k1VA1C0 Heads collide and both men go down after Smith launches himself into Boldin.If Smith lets up, I've got no problem with a resulting injury. Since when does anyone catch a ball with their head anyway? It seems that if you were trying to jar the ball loose the best way to do that would be to hit a man in the breadbasket where he holds the ball.

Cheap shot...good move by the NFL to fine and suspend Smith.

Watching the same clip everyone else is watching. When Rhodes comes into the play 27, replay), Q's helmet doesn't even move which leads me to believe there was no helmet-to-helmet between Rhodes and Q. It's clear that Q took the first shot from the shoulder. Text book shoulder lead.

I am talking about SMITH leading with the shoulder, not Rhodes. Perhaps I'm confused here. Rhodes' play was clean.

Yeah, I was just responding to "Number 25 should be suspended for life."

 

[Da Guru]

Haven't commented here, yet. I've just watched it again. Multiple times. My take.

Number 25 should be suspended for life. He launched his helmet at Anquan's helmet. There is no question. The guy who came in second was not trying to come in at the head, but the other guy hit Anquan in such a way that the head came down in to the defender's helmet. Yes, the second guy launched himself into Anquan, but was aiming lower and Anquan's head was essentially knocked into him. That was disgusting.

I don't care if you disagree. You're wrong.

Stick to fantasy football, reading the box scores, the magazines and hero worshipping the "studs" on your roster.Football remains a violent contact sport played at a high speed.

As recently as last year, I don't believe that Smith's hit even warrants a suspension. Now we are in a new era where Godell & Co. will freeze frame these types of hits and try to deem intent. So yes he will get some sanction but even the NFL, circa 2008, hands down the minimum level of suspension ( 1 game). Probably won't be appealed but it could be.The defender made an all out launch of his body in the air to break up a play. Due to other contact Boldin's own body position changed after the Jet player was already air borne. The point impact thus changed from Boldin's chest to his head. Yes, a really bad accident. Stuff happens. The veteran offical who was right on top of this play, seeing at real speed, threw no flag.

Football will remain a violent sport. Those unfortunate enough to receive concussions should be very cautious upon returning to the NFL. I suggest that you direct your outrage at the NFL allowing multiple concussed players such as Trent Green to continue to put in harm's way than continue to legislate against these types of hits which to serve your end would soon result in prohibiting any defender to leave their feet in order to make a tackle. Go put an uniform and cleats on and propel your body in the air at a target and see how successful you are in precisely controlling the ulimate point of contact versus a moving target. Tell me how successful you are.

There lies the key. The game itself is played at breakneck speed with split second decisions, decisions to break up passes and tackle and catch the ball. Boldin as he is taught is going after the ball, the defenders are chasing him and trying to breakup the play. Bang it is over and two players are down.But wait..when you watch it again frame by frame instead of a making a split second decision, you have as much time as you need to decide if it was a clean hit or not, the defenders or even Boldin himself do not have that luxury.

Just like when you watch a slo-mo replay of an INT..everybody says why would he make that throw he had so and so wide open up the seam.

Why..because the QB has 300LB lineman bullrushing all around him and has a split second to decide where to go with the football. Sometimes people do not make the correct decision.

 

[Phlash]

Paging Mad Sweeney for his thoughts on this legal hit.

What a tool. I stated my opinion and I was apparently wrong, whoopey effing doo. I stand by the way I view it and recognize the league's right to see it differently. If you look at most of the comments made about it a large majority are saying that it wasn't dirty or cheap, just that it was dangerous. And if you further read my posts you'll see that that's what I've repeartedly said (although logic and comprehension don't seem to be your strong points). I'm surprised they suspended him, but I never said they wouldn't fine or suspend him, just that I didn't think they should. I'm man enough to admit that I was wrong but at least I laid out my reasons for why instead of being a tool with little to no rationale behind his/her arguments other than "it was". And acting like a tool after an announcement of which you had not part of is read. Congratulations, you must feel so vindicated.

Hint: more words doesn't make posts better. HTH

 

[Scooby1974]

Paging Mad Sweeney for his thoughts on this legal hit.

What a tool. I stated my opinion and I was apparently wrong, whoopey effing doo. I stand by the way I view it and recognize the league's right to see it differently. If you look at most of the comments made about it a large majority are saying that it wasn't dirty or cheap, just that it was dangerous. And if you further read my posts you'll see that that's what I've repeartedly said (although logic and comprehension don't seem to be your strong points). I'm surprised they suspended him, but I never said they wouldn't fine or suspend him, just that I didn't think they should. I'm man enough to admit that I was wrong but at least I laid out my reasons for why instead of being a tool with little to no rationale behind his/her arguments other than "it was". And acting like a tool after an announcement of which you had not part of is read. Congratulations, you must feel so vindicated.

Hint: more words doesn't make posts better. HTH

Hey Phlash, Boldin thinks your sister in your pic is hot. Where can he get a better look at her? It might help his recovery this week.