Depending on who you ask, or from what fan base you draw your response, San Francisco 49ers’ linebacker Ahmad Brooks may or may not have put an illegal hit on New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees on Sunday.
Brooks appeared to have sacked Brees with about three minutes left to play. The All Pro QB fumbled and Patrick Willis recovered. Happiness ensued for 49ers’ fans everywhere.
That is until a flag flew in.
Brooks was penalized for a personal foul for tackling Brees around the neck area, and the New Orleans Saints went on to come back and win from a then 20-17 deficit.
"“I didn’t hit him with my hand or my helmet,” Brooks said, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. “I basically bear-hugged him. That’s just how football is played. I think this s— is bulls—-. Football, the way they call stuff these days, it’s watered down. It ain’t real no more.”"
ESPN.com’s Ed Werder is reporting that the NFL is now reviewing the play for possible disciplinary action.
The hit really wasn’t that vicious by NFL standards, so anything more than a fine would be somewhat of a surprise.
49ers’ linebacker NaVorro Bowman commented that the play only occurred because Brees is a “5-foot quarterback”, to which Brees responded, according to ESPN, “I guess sometimes it pays to be a midget.”