The NFL is rescinding the fine it levied against Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith for a hit on Tampa Bay Buccaneers wider receiver Chris Godwin in Week 7 that the league originally determined was an illegal hip-drop tackle, a source briefed on the decision confirmed Tuesday. ESPN first reported the news.
Smith was slated to pay a $16,833 fine for the hit which ended Godwin’s season, but Smith appealed that penalty and NFL hearing officer Jordy Nelson ruled in his favor.
The hit occurred with 1:20 remaining in the game. The Buccaneers were facing a third-and-17 at their own 18 while trailing by 10 points. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield connected with Godwin for a 21-yard reception, but the wideout could not get up after Smith hit him to end the play.
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Ravens LB Roquan Smith fined $16,833 for illegal tackle
At the time, the NFL had fined nine other players for hip-drop tackles this season, according to Spotrac.com. None of those players were flagged for unnecessary roughness, which carries a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down, during their games.
Since then, three other players have been fined.
Per the NFL, a hip-drop tackle occurs when a defender wraps up a ball carrier and rotates or swivels his hips, unweighting himself and dropping onto the ball carrier’s legs during the tackle. Tackling another player this way causes lower extremity injuries at a rate 20 times higher than other tackles, resulting in an unacceptable risk to player health and safety.
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In Week 8, Smith said he had no intention of injuring Godwin.
“First and foremost, I just send prayers and a speedy recovery out to Chris. I have a lot of respect for him as a player, what he’s accomplished throughout this league and the little I’ve seen from him, he seems like a good dude, from what I’ve heard, [and] a good family man.” Smith said. “You never want to see anybody go down with any type of injury, but we play a very physical game, and it demands a lot.”
“Bullets are flying pretty fast, but I never go into any game to injure any player. I want every player to go back home safe and sound to their family — maybe a little sore — but other than that, I definitely want you to get back home to your family all safe and sound.”
Smith was previously fined $16,833 for a horse-collar tackle during a Week 1 game in Kansas City, but that fine was later revoked.
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(Photo: Michael Owens / Getty Images)
