Dirty Hits in the NFL: What Have We Seen, What Have We Learned?

November 28, 2012   ·   Dave Siebert   ·   Jump to comments

Rules.  Penalties.  Fines.
It seems that no matter the precautions taken, so-called "dirty" hits continue to occur in the NFL.
The NFL rulebook clearly describes what, exactly, constitutes "dirty" contact.
Rule 12, Section 2, Article 7 of the official rule book states that unnecessary contact on a player in a defenseless posture is punishable by, at minimum, a 15-yard penalty.
The offending player may also be disqualified from further participation.
Additionally, the NFL announced in October of 2010 a policy that punishment may be added on after-the-fact, punishment that would take form as fines and even suspension depending on the nature of the hit and the history of the player in question.
Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens is the most recent victim of this policy.
Reed was originally suspended for one game following his hit on Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
However, following a successful appeal, Reed's punishment was reduced ...

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