UPDATE: The NFL has suspended Wesley one game without pay for this hit. Is that an appropriate punishment?
Carolina Panthers cornerback Dante Wesley will probably find himself the recipient of a big, fat fine and perhaps a suspension after his brutal hit on Tampa Bay Buccaneers return man Clifton Smith yesterday.
Basically, Wesley came down the field at full-tilt and absolutely laid out the defenseless Smith, who was waiting for a punt to come down.
Wesley was ejected after the melee and Smith sustained a concussion that prevented him from returning to the game. More concerning, the Buccaneer was unable to speak due to a throat injury.
Wesley, an eight-year veteran, said that the hit was more accidental than intentionally malicious.
It wasn’t like I deliberately tried to hurt anybody or nothing like that, that’s not even me, Wesley said. So it just so happened, I hit him. My prayers are out with him. I would never try to hurt anyone, I was just trying to make a play.
Is any additional punishment in order for Wesley, or is the ejection enough?