SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers is seen on the sideline prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ohio State fans will roll over laughing at Kirk Herbstreit’s comments about Michigan
The NFL has elected not to fine San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmie Ward for his hit on Packers wideout Davante Adams.
Adams’ hit looked dangerous in the moment, but was not flagged for helmet-to-helmet contact. The Pro Bowl wideout was evaluated for a concussion, but eventually returned to the game.
There’s an argument to be had that the hit laid out by Ward was not as serious as it initially seemed, and that’s the logic Jon Runyan appears to be employing.
The NFL didn’t fine #49ers S Jimmie Ward for the hit that briefly knocked #Packers WR Davante Adams out of last Sunday night’s game. It was reviewed, but I’m told the NFL’s Jon Runyan elected not to issue a fine because initial contact wasn’t to Adams’ head/neck area.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 2, 2021
Runyan is not issuing a fine for the hit by Ward. Given the officials’ decision not to flag the tackle as illegal in the moment, this isn’t particularly surprising.
Packers: No fine issued on hit on Davante Adams
The hit by Ward shines a negative light on the NFL’s so-called dedication to player safety. Even in slow motion, there’s no real technique shown by Ward here.
And if that is the proper technique, we should question the NFL’s coaching methods.
Packers fans are furious with the NFL’s decision not to fine Ward after already picking up the flag in real time.
Can we look at what the concussion protocol looked like after that play? Adams was out for exactly one play after getting his bell rung. https://t.co/fiSsYo7hGZ
— KietChieng (@KietChieng) October 2, 2021
This is insane to me… the NFL is horrible. Pretty sure i heard someone got fined for taunting but Ward doesn’t get fined for that hit? https://t.co/VBHWTNGVDq
— Heath Dempsey (@HDemps484) October 2, 2021
Ok sure. We’re gonna ignore that we all witness davantes soul leave his body for a couple minutes.
Ok gotcha https://t.co/K9gOpajAVw
— Mike Flenz(🍺🧀🦡🦅🦌) (@Flenz90) October 2, 2021
What an absolute joke the NFL is!! But we’ll flag and fine a player for taking his helmet off on the field cause he’s in severe pain. Makes perfect sense!! https://t.co/dKmXLlVIv2
— AUTiger7222 (@AUTiger7222) October 2, 2021
Ward did, seemingly, try to hit Adams with his shoulder. But there was undeniable contact to the head or neck area, which is forbidden in the league rulebook.
If Adams exaggerated, Packers fans are following suit. To be fair, Adams is essential to their success moving forward in what could be Aaron Rodgers’ final season with the club.
So, we’ll forgive them this time, just like the NFL is letting Ward’s hit slide.
