NFL Fines Ravens’ Roquan Smith $16,833 for Controversial Hip-Drop Tackle on Chris Godwin
The NFL has fined Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith $16,833 following a hip-drop tackle that caused a significant injury to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. In addition to ending Godwin's season, the tackle caused him to suffer a dislocated ankle and sparked concerns about how the league's prohibition on hip-drop tackles was being applied. ---$30/hour for reading the news Incident Details: Injury and Game Impact The tackle happened in the closing seconds of Monday night's Ravens victory over the Buccaneers, 41-31. Smith and other Ravens defenders struck Godwin as he tried to get a first down. Smith’s hip-drop tackle forced Godwin to the ground, where he showed visible signs of pain. Medical staff attended to Godwin on the field before he was ultimately carted off. Godwin is scheduled for surgery this week, officially ruling him out for the remainder of the season. The injury not only impacts his team’s season prospects but also puts Godwin through a lengthy recovery process. --- NFL’s Ban on Hip-Drop Tackles The NFL had banned hip-drop tackles in the offseason, categorizing them as high-risk plays. This maneuver, where a player uses their body weight to bring an opponent down, has been associated with increased risk of injury. The league determined Smith’s tackle on Godwin was a hip-drop, marking the ninth such instance of this tackle type this season. However, none of the nine incidents resulted in penalties on the field. The league’s stance on hip drops was intended to protect players, but officials have yet to enforce the ban with on-field calls, raising concerns about consistency in rule enforcement. --- Previous Hip-Drop Incidents and Penalty Implications If Smith’s hip-drop tackle had been flagged on the field, the Ravens would have received a 15-yard penalty, and the Buccaneers would have been awarded an automatic first down. While the NFL has issued fines post-game, like the one given to Smith, it has not penalized players during games for hip drops this season.For example, Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards hip-dropped running back Joe Mixon, causing him to miss three weeks due to an ankle injury. Edwards was also fined $16,833 without an in-game flag. --- The League’s Approach to Player Safety and Rule Enforcement The NFL’s recent focus on hip-drop tackles highlights its commitment to player safety, but the lack of on-field penalties raises questions about the efficacy of its rule changes. The incident with Godwin may prompt the league to reevaluate how officials identify and address prohibited tackles in real time, particularly when they lead to season-ending injuries. $210 a day to train your brain