Haloti Ngata kicked Shawn Lauvao because he was ‘pissed’
By Dan Zinski
Ravens DT Haloti Ngata isn’t as well-known for being a punk as someone like, say, Ndamukong Suh, but that doesn’t mean Ngata isn’t prone to his occasional lapses of judgment.
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Ngata experienced one of these lapses Saturday against the Redskins when he kicked Washington OG Shawn Lauvao after Lauvao hit Ravens CB Dominique Franks late.
After the game, Ngata explained what happened in his brain that made him think for a split-second that it would be okay to retaliate against Lauvao by kicking him (via baltimoresun.com).
"“When I saw Lauvao do that, I kind of was just pissed that he was doing that and just nudged him,” Ngata said. “Kind of a heat-of-the-moment thing. That was the only thing. I was just trying to protect my player.”Ngata wasn’t penalized on the play and Lauvao didn’t look like he got hurt during the exchange. However, Ngata could still face a fine from the NFL for unsportsmanlike conduct.“No disrespect to Shawn because we know each other,” Ngata said. “It was the heat of the moment, and just was mad that he tried a late hit.”"
Ngata should try that “I was pissed” defense with the NFL disciplinary gurus and see how far that gets him. I’m guessing that particular argument isn’t going to carry much water.
Haloti Ngata can expect a fine from the NFL for his kick. Despite that stupid act, Ngata is still a long way from being as big a thug as Ndamukong Suh.
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