Intense Moments in Week 3: Saints' Boyd Fined for Hit on Eagles' Smith
In what has become one of the most contentious moments of the NFL season thus far, New Orleans Saints rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd found himself at the center of controversy during Week 3. Boyd was fined $4,600 for a hit on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, a collision that left Smith concussed and unable to continue.
The incident unfolded during a critical juncture of the game. Despite the severity of the hit, Boyd was not penalized on the field. This drew immediate ire from onlookers and players alike, especially given the harsh aftermath for Smith. According to the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, a first-time offender’s hit on a defenseless player can warrant a fine of up to $16,883. Boyd’s fine, however, was significantly lower, amounting to 10% of his salary cap number, slightly over $839,000.
Fred Johnson, an immediate witness to the event, described the alarming moments following the hit. "I'd seen him [knocked] out, and that's when I waved to the training staff, like he's out cold. It was scary," Johnson recalled. "You never want to see something like that, especially on a play where he catches the ball, and he's running backwards for like five steps." Johnson further criticized the officials for their inaction, remarking, "It's on the refs to call that play dead, and take the necessary action when he's hit late."
C.J. Gardner-Johnson echoed Johnson’s sentiments with palpable frustration, denouncing Boyd’s actions in strong terms. "Man, that's the dirtiest shit I ever saw in football, bro. Y'all obviously saw that forward progression was stopped. And for them to take a cheap shot on one of our key guys, it shows what kind of team that is. They're front-runners," he stated bluntly.
In the aftermath, Smith’s condition became a focal point for both teams and fans. Diagnosed with a concussion, Smith was notably absent from the Eagles' practice on the following Wednesday. His participation in upcoming games is now contingent on clearing the NFL's stringent concussion protocol, a process that emphasizes player safety but also casts uncertainty on the Eagles' immediate roster plans.
This incident has not only ignited debates about the nature of physicality and sportsmanship in the NFL but also highlighted the league's handling of on-field disciplinary actions. Boyd, for his part, expressed regret over the situation. Reaching out to Smith via Instagram, he conveyed his remorse, stating, "I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury."
The delayed reaction from officials and the subsequent scrutiny points to a larger systemic issue within NFL officiating and player safety protocols. In moments like these, where the line between aggressive play and unsportsmanlike conduct blurs, the onus is on the officiating crew to act swiftly and decisively. The apparent lapse in this case has only fueled further discontent among players and fans who demand a higher standard of protection and fairness on the field.
As the NFL continues to navigate these turbulent waters, the health and safety of players like DeVonta Smith remain paramount. While Boyd’s fine may serve as a reminder of the league’s disciplinary measures, it also underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing competitive drive with the imperative of maintaining player welfare.