By Jeff Howe, Jeff Zrebiec and Tess DeMeyer
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith will have to pay a $16,833 fine levied by the NFL for a hit on Tampa Bay Buccaneers wider receiver Chris Godwin in Week 7 that the league determined was an illegal hip-drop tackle, a source confirmed Friday.
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.
The hit occurred with 1:20 remaining in the game while 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. He was later diagnosed with a dislocated ankle that will likely sideline him for the rest of the season after surgery.
When asked Thursday if he had heard from the NFL about the tackle, Smith declined to answer but did say 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. 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,” Smith said. “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.”
The NFL has 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.
Before the injury, Godwin was Mayfield’s favorite target with a team-leading 50 receptions and 576 yards. He also caught five touchdowns, tied for third in the league.
Smith has recorded 74 tackles, one forced fumble and an interception.
(Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)
