No fine for Ward after hit left Rivers with broken jaw
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3655817
Brief Summary of the Story:
The article reports that Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver Hines Ward will not be fined for his block on Cincinnati Bengals’ linebacker Keith Rivers. The hit left Rivers with a broken jaw ending his season. The hit was from the side and received no penalty during the game. Ward said, “I’m not doing anything illegal. It was a clean hit. I didn’t stand over the guy or anything … I’m not going to change my ways. If they’re going to keep fining me for that, then I’m going to get fined all year.” In the previous week, the league fined Ward $15,000 for two infractions. The article went on to discuss other Bengals’ injuries.
Overall Analysis:
The overall attitude of the users was basically split down the middle. There were many users who felt Ward’s hit on Rivers was excessively violent and unnecessary. Many of these users who felt this way also thought that this was not the first offense Ward has had and that he had a pattern of unnecessary violence. Many users were on the complete opposite spectrum and applauded Ward for his aggression and saw it as a passion for the sport. They acknowledged that Ward has delivered many similar hits and believed they only exemplified his strength and aggression in a positive manner. There were also those who did not specifically take a side in terms of Ward’s actions but thought that the violence was a natural part of the sport and that taking out the violence would actually take away from the league itself.
Comments of interest:
This comment reflects the idea that Ward’s hit was violent and unnecessary. The user expressed that it is not the act of hitting that is violent but the manner in which it is carried out.
“when have you seen Hines Ward try to lay out a LB or Safety when they know he is coming???? Never….. Hines Ward loves to lay out unsuspecting opponents, that wouldn’t be a problem if he would go after those players straight up…… but he won’t so he’s a punk”
This comment reflects the idea that there was nothing excessively violent about the hit and that aggression is a natural part of the game.
“No way that hit should have even raised a question of fine. It was a sweet football play. Should league officials think that’s not to be part of their game they should change the name to whussie ball.”
This comment represents the admiration that many users have for Ward and how his aggression and toughness makes the game enjoyable for them to watch.
“That was an awesome hit, I love watching Hines take out Linebackers who out weigh him by 50 or more lbs. The Bart Scott hit was the best though. They guy who said he would change if he got lit up has never watched Hines play, he gets lit up more then anyone when he crosses the middle and someone gets a free shot at him which they always take. Also he plays to the whistle like you are taught to do from the beginning. If you get lit up it is your fault for not keeping your eyes peeled. Hines is the by far the toughest Wide Out in the league and hits like that are why he is my favorite player.”
My Personal Bias:
My personal bias is that I am a fan of Hines Ward. I think he is a great receiver who plays with a lot of passion and I always find it refreshing when players make the extra effort and I think Ward is one of those players. Most receivers do not play as aggressive as Ward and I think more should and I do not think he is a dirty player.
