Eric Smith suspended and fined

He deserves it. At least we don't have to worry about him getting burnt in our next game because in coverage he is the weakest linc!

 

The difference was, Zach Thomas pointed and laughed at Coles when he was face down unconscious. I didn't see anyone laughing at the Meadowlands. I saw two teams kneeling on the field and praying. Granted Boldin was down for a long while, but Thomas, c'mon, what a dirtbag.

Coles popped up pretty quickly, but you're gonna laugh at a guy who is face down? If it hadn't been for that, I'm not 100% sure the Jets would have filed a complaint with the league. No flag was thrown on Thomas, either. He has fined $7,500 (big whoop) a few days later, and then complained like a big, fat, baby. He appealed, but I don't recall what happened after that.

As to Smith, I have no problem with the ruling in principle. The point of it is to act as a deterrent for borderline psychos with serious anger management problems. Knock-knock. Who's there? Albert Haynesworth. I do think 'intent' should be taken into consideration, though, and that the fine should be reduced, especially seeing as Boldin is OK. And thank God for that.

EDIT: Jack Tatum should have been suspended from football for life. "The Assassin", I'll give you "The Assassin", alright.

 

I'm not big on intent. Either you legislate action or you don't. When you ask officials to get into the mind of the players you're asking for trouble.

 

I didn't say he shouldn't have been fined.

 

Apparently you don't know who Drew Coleman is. #30 has given up more yards in the air than any player on the team.

 

That's even worse when you factor in that he isn't even a starter.

 

The Rule is the rule is the rule.

The one game suspension is appropriate, the fine excessive.

 

That was the worst hit on a Cardinal since Rod Tidwell got knocked cold after his incredible game winning catch.

 

Always about the Patriots!

The fact is that the guy who blew Tom Brady's knee out was not fined or suspended. In a similar incident last year Wilfork was fined. I don't think either was intentional.

Get off this Pats thing and this league conspiracy thing and face the facts. Smith hit a guy with the crown of his helmet 5 days after Goodell made his player safety announcement. Anyone in any game that did what Smith did this week was going to made an example of.

 

There we go, grey area. If Mr Goodell wants to bring in these rules and implement them in such a draconian way, I see nothing but bad coming from this ruling.
I'm all for protecting players, my god it brings me to tears when I see these older guys barely able to speak. But, lets not wrap this marvelous game up in bubble wrap and use some common sense when needed.

 

ahhh ya, ok HOMER!!!

 

you were probably one of the whiners crying over vrabel's hit on favre.....

 

The NFL likes passing and likes stars, they are willing to screw up the game to give the broader public what they think they want.

 

split decision on a homer board, but not on the many i've been reading.. there was no doubt about it. he launched himself, period.....

 

Say what you want... you and Winston, but I've watched it many times and I don't see intent to injure. He was running forward to make the hit and tackle (and to jar the ball loose), something he's supposed to do and obligated to do. That's what DBs train for.

Smith was running forward at full speed. Since when does your head not lead? Boldin was unfortunately launched forward by Rhodes, and in doing so, his head (and helmet) faced downward, upon which Smith's helmet met his. There was clearly no intent by Smith to do helmet-to-helmet or spear, but I do understand why Goodall will make an example of this and dole out "justice."

I would have no problem having Cotchery, Coles or Stuckey face Smith should Smith be traded to the Patriots. He is not and should not, based on this play and in my opinion, be labelled an intentionally "dirty" player, green glasses or not.

 

I don't say he is a dirty player or had intent. I really don't get into intent, I thought it was a cheap shot at the time of the game but he shouldn't be fined and suspended for taking a cheap shot, he should be fined and suspended for landing an illegal head to head blow and leading with his head.

 

Intent has nothing to do with it unless the NFL plans on psychoanalyzing every player that makes a hit like that. It was the act, and Smith committed it.

 

Yeah I just don't know how the NFL can even begin to get into intent? Unless the guy is giving interviews to the media the week leading up to the game saying he is going to try to hurt a player on the other team...

 

Maybe, its just me, but the game was completely out of reach why was boldin or any of the starters out there anyway...It was as if the Cardinals coach started his offense in his fantasy league...

 

You cannot lead with your head, when your hands have already made contact.
It should have been a text book tackle, hands under the shoulder pads, head to the chest and where the balls coming down to.......

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub1_k1VA1C0[/YOUTUBE]

OK, lets make this easier, Screw intent. When Smith Shaped to make his tackle and lowered his body, to a jumping Boldin, the impact would/should have been chest area.
NOW we get into 100ths of a second reaction times. Was it at all possible to re-adjust his body shape to miss this unfortunate clash. NO. Thats what it boils down to , even without his intentions.