The NFL has slapped a $4,600 fine on Saints rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd for a hit that sent Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith straight to the concussed crew, as confirmed by Matthew Paras of nola.com.
Pocket-Sized Punishment
Though a first offense like this could attract fines as high as $16,883, the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement caps the fine at 10% of a player’s salary cap number. When you’re just starting like Boyd, earning a salary cap charge of $839,707 for 2024, your punishment naturally shrinks in proportion.
Interestingly, Boyd managed to skirt any in-game penalties for that bone-jarring tackle.
Damnum Absque Poena
Smith, unfortunately, found himself sandwiched between defenders Paulson Adebo and Pete Werner while snagging a humble 5-yard pass early in the fourth quarter. Just when you thought he was locked down, Boyd swooped in from the high heavens to deliver the clang heard ’round the stadium. Let’s just say, Smith’s helmet didn’t just come off—it took a flight like a bird escaping its cage, leaving him unable to finish the game.
Wednesay’s walkthrough had Smith noticeably absent, a somber sight for Eagles fans.
War of Words
Adding fuel to the fire, Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson—a man who knows a thing or two about tackles, having been traded from the Saints to the Eagles in 2022—wasn’t mincing any words. He dubbed Boyd’s hit as “the dirtiest shit” he’s ever witnessed on the field. A bold claim, indeed.
Boyd’s Defense
Now, Boyd didn’t take these allegations lying down. Oh no, folks—in a now-deleted Instagram story, he painted a different picture. “I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury. Just tried to make a play on the ball. We well soon 6,” Boyd wrote, sprinkling a bit of humanity onto the controversy.
Coach on the Defensive
To top it all off, Saints coach Dennis Allen firmly stood behind his players, dismissing any whispers of dirty play. Mondays in New Orleans haven’t been this spicy since, well, red beans and rice! This story is far from over, so stay tuned for the next thrilling chapter of NFL drama.
