The NFL has elected not to fine San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmie Ward for his hit on Packers wideout Davante Adams.
Adams’ hit looked dangerous in the moment, but was not flagged for helmet-to-helmet contact. The Pro Bowl wideout was evaluated for a concussion, but eventually returned to the game.
There’s an argument to be had that the hit laid out by Ward was not as serious as it initially seemed, and that’s the logic Jon Runyan appears to be employing.
The NFL didn’t fine #49ers S Jimmie Ward for the hit that briefly knocked #Packers WR Davante Adams out of last Sunday night’s game. It was reviewed, but I'm told the NFL’s Jon Runyan elected not to issue a fine because initial contact wasn’t to Adams' head/neck area.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 2, 2021
Runyan is not issuing a fine for the hit by Ward. Given the officials’ decision not to flag the tackle as illegal in the moment, this isn’t particularly surprising.
Packers: No fine issued on hit on Davante Adams
The hit by Ward shines a negative light on the NFL’s so-called dedication to player safety. Even in slow motion, there’s no real technique shown by Ward here.
How on earth was there no flag on this?!? Davante Adams is still down. Wow.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 27, 2021
pic.twitter.com/cJBpeH22sO
And if that is the proper technique, we should question the NFL’s coaching methods.
Packers fans are furious with the NFL’s decision not to fine Ward after already picking up the flag in real time.
Player safety https://t.co/R9K2NLtVxC
— eznark (@eznark) October 2, 2021
lol safety, my ass https://t.co/WBxWyGHbtT
— Jonathon Zenk (@jzenk42) October 2, 2021
But you can get fined for spinning a ball in celebration after getting a first down smh https://t.co/R7kKHz358J
— Zack 🧀 (@ShowtymeZack) October 2, 2021
This is insane to me… the NFL is horrible. Pretty sure i heard someone got fined for taunting but Ward doesn’t get fined for that hit? https://t.co/VBHWTNGVDq
— Heath Dempsey (@HDemps484) October 2, 2021
Ok sure. We're gonna ignore that we all witness davantes soul leave his body for a couple minutes.
— Mike 🧀 (@Flenz90) October 2, 2021
Ok gotcha https://t.co/K9gOpajAVw
Adams was fined 10 grand for a chest bump vs San Francisco in 2019.
— brick hands bersin (@ProctrDoctr) October 2, 2021
That’s what’s apparently off limits https://t.co/Zp00y3mYfn
Ward did, seemingly, try to hit Adams with his shoulder. But there was undeniable contact to the head or neck area, which is forbidden in the league rulebook.
If Adams exaggerated, Packers fans are following suit. To be fair, Adams is essential to their success moving forward in what could be Aaron Rodgers’ final season with the club.
So, we’ll forgive them this time, just like the NFL is letting Ward’s hit slide.