The NFL has delivered its verdict on the controversial hit by Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph that led to a torn ACL for Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee.
The league did not fine Joseph for his hit on Higbee in the NFC Wild Card round, which was determined to be legal. He was, however, fined for an unrelated incidence of unnecessary roughness.
Following the incident, some Rams players, most notably quarterback Matthew Stafford, criticized Joseph’s tackling. TJ Hockenson, a tight end for the Vikings, suffered an injury similar to Joseph’s practice of diving low on opponents earlier in the season. Joseph, for his part, has refuted any claims that he is a dirty player.
Joseph’s play can undoubtedly be criticized, but he is attempting to avoid making direct contact with opponents despite taking down bigger men. The NFL has no intention of standing up to this hit.