The NFL is Truly a Joke if it Doesn't Suspend Eagles' Derek Barnett for Clear Unnecessary Hit
By Michael Luciano
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett pulled off a disgraceful move Thursday night that even the likes of Ronnie Lott and Jack Tatum would have called a bit over the top.
Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams was in the process of being wrapped up, but Barnett charged in and rammed him right in the side of the helmet, which forced Williams to leave the game on a stretcher.
Dirty and late hit by #Eagles DE Derek Barnett. #Packers RB Jamaal Williams had to be taken off on a stretcher. Just unnecessary. pic.twitter.com/6TDDYlKzXy
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) September 27, 2019
There is no possible way the NFL can look at that and decide that Barnett shouldn't be disciplined. A fine would be a drop in the bucket and teach him nothing, so unfortunately, a suspension is necessary.
The NFL has gone in the right direction with regards to player safety and outlawing these kinds of hits, and allowing this to go by without a suspension is a tacit seal of approval from the league, which is unacceptable. Not suspending Barnett is giving every 260 pound defensive end carte blanche to lower their helmet and slam into 210 pound defenseless ball carriers, with the play nearly finished.
They should let Derek Barnett play again when Jamaal Williams can.
— JR Radcliffe (@JRRadcliffe) September 27, 2019
This was flat out dirty, and goes beyond "playing the game hard." Barnett should expect some sort of suspension coming from the NFL, if there's justice.