NFL says hit on QB Green not punishable
The NFL absolved Cincinnati defensive end Robert Geathers on Wednesday for his hit on Kansas City quarterback Trent Green, emphasizing quarterbacks are responsible for avoiding hits by sliding.
Green sustained a serious concussion last Sunday after a hit by Geathers and will miss at least two or three games.
“The injury … was unfortunate and has drawn much commentary, but it is not a foul,” Ray Anderson, the NFL’s senior vice president, said in a statement.
Anderson said a review of the play in Kansas City showed Green started “a late slide” as Geathers prepared to tackle him. At the same time, Geathers was blocked in the back by a Chiefs player, was no longer in control of his body and twisted in order to avoid driving his helmet into Green or hitting him helmet-to-helmet.
Geathers’ right shoulder, however, hit Green’s shoulder and drove Green’s head into the ground.
In a memo sent to all 32 teams Anderson said: “On sliding quarterback plays, the responsibility of defenders is to avoid a sliding quarterback while the responsibility of the quarterback is to use the protection properly. This rule will continue to be strictly enforced, and violations are likely to result in disciplinary action.”
Anderson said quarterbacks who want to take advantage of the protection of a slide must start it before the prospect of imminent contact.
Around the league
Authorities are seeking drunken driving charges against Steve Foley, the San Diego Chargers linebacker who was shot and seriously wounded by an off-duty police officer earlier this month. Foley was hospitalized in fair condition and will miss the season… The New Orleans Saints signed Corey McIntyre, filling a hole created when both fullbacks were injured in a season-opening win at Cleveland. … Former Minnesota Vikings receiver Anthony Carter has ended his probation two years early in West Palm Beach, Fla., three years after he pleaded guilty to charges related to domestic battery. … The Houston Texans acquired running back Samkon Gado from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for Vernand Morency. … The Buffalo Bills placed veteran free safety Troy Vincent on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, ending his season. … The Kansas City Chiefs and free-agent wide receiver Rod Gardner agreed to terms of a two-year contract. … Carolina linebacker Dan Morgan will not play in Sunday’s game at Minnesota as he recovers from a concussion. … Browns wide receiver Joe Jurevicius did not suffer any broken ribs in Cleveland’s season-opening loss to New Orleans but will miss Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.