Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed faces fine over Victor Cruz hit despite John Harbaugh’s defence – NFL News
Baltimore Ravens star safety Ed Reed is on the course to receive a fine from the National Football League (NFL) office over his hit on New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz in their game on Sunday (Dec. 23), although coach John Harbaugh in his post-game
remarks has defended Reed, saying the speed could not have allowed him avoid point of contact with Cruz.
Reed came into contact with Cruz in helmet to neck area, although he had managed to lower his speed to an extent, and the coach has pleaded that the league office should look at the fact that Reed was in no position to avoid hitting the player altogether
with such a furious speed.
John told a local newspaper:
"It's tough, full-speed, the whole thing. I hope the league really takes a look at this in the offseason and figures out a way to help the players out a little bit."
Having a look at the hit, it appears the safety might be able to avoid getting suspended over it, but he definitely faces a fine. If he does, this will be second time in the season, because he had been penalised by the league office earlier as well. He was
lucky to get his one-game ban overturned, but had to pay a hefty fine even then.
A point in the latest hit that the office might focus is that Cruz was defenceless when hit by Reed, and although there is no information if he has suffered a serious injury, he certainly had received some impact on the hit area.
Reed has an advantage that replays have clearly shown he had lowered his speed to an extent, although could not avoid the hit.
Harbaugh said:
"It's been a real challenge so far this year. Ed was trying to do everything he could. I could say the same thing about Torrey on the block back, it was chest high. Our guys are really trying to do the right thing and it's difficult at full speed to do that."
He was referring to a personal foul wide receiver Torry Smith had received during a contact with a Giants’ defender.
Reed’s decision is expected by mid of this week.
Tags: