TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The tackle that injured Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin during Monday night’s 41-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens was determined by the NFL to be illegal, according to multiple reports.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport both reported Friday that Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith was fined more than $16,000 for what it believes was a hip-drop tackle. The league banned that type of tackle this past offseason due to the increased risk of player injury.
The NFL defines a hip-drop tackle as one where the defensive player “grabs the runner with both hands or wraps the runner with both arms; and unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.” If a flag is thrown during a game, it’s a 15-yard penalty.
The NFL fines players who are found to have utilized a hip-drop tackle $16,883 for a first offense and $22,511 for a second offense.
Smith, while speaking to reporters on Thursday, said he wishes Godwin a speedy recovery and praised his play on the field.
“You never want to see anybody go down with any type of injury, but we play a very physical game,” Smith told reporters. “It demands a lot.”
Smith declined to say if he was fined by the league. The NFL publishes its list of player fines for the previous week every Saturday afternoon.
“I never go into any game meaning to injure any player,” Smith said. “I want every player to go back home safe and sound to their family. Maybe a little sore.”
In a statement on Instagram, Godwin said he was disappointed that his season was cut short, but expressed hope for the future and thanked everyone for the love and support he’s received.
“It’s tough to put into words the range of emotions over the last few days,” Godwin wrote. “I’m disappointed that I can’t be out there with my brothers going to battle. I’m saddened that my wife and family had to endure watching another gruesome injury. And I’m frustrated that a strong start to the season was cut short. However, my appreciation for life and the blessings that I’m so fortunate to have will never waver. I am still and will always be extremely grateful to get to do what I love for a living. I’m also encouraged by the outpouring of prayers/love/support from so Florida many people. Thank you VERY much to everyone that took the time to donate to our foundation! Because of this support we will continue to be able to do amazing things in our communities.
“We don’t always get to know “why,” but that rarely matters anyway,” Godwin continued. “Adversity reveals our true character and I look forward to the opportunity to display mine throughout this process. Just another storm, but trust that sunshine is on the other side. Be back soon! Back to Work! Much love.”
The Bucs take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium with the division lead on the line.
