The New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles have been landlocked in the NFL news this week. After the Eagles' victory, the discussion has been around some perceived "dirty play" from Saints players.
At the epicenter, Saints rookie DL Khristian Boyd's hit on Devonta Smith has gotten the most attention. Boyd was fined $4,600 by the NFL earlier in the week. During the game, he was not penalized.
Khristian Boyd to appeal fine from NFL for hit on Devonta Smith
Boyd has relayed, on multiple occasions, that his hit on Smith had no malicious intent. He was not trying to injure the Eagles receiver.
On Monday, Boyd posted on his Instagram story, defending himself.
"I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury. Just tried to make a play on the ball
Get well 6" -- Boyd via Instagram
Clearly, he sustains his belief that he wasn't trying to hurt Smith on the hit. He was just trying to make a play for his team in a crucial moment.
The referees also played a part in the hit due to a lack of a whistle. Smith's forward progress was clearly stopped, but they let the play continue as he got dragged backwards.
The refs blew the play dead just before the ball was clearly free, though, because Smith's helmet came off.
You could argue that it should have been a live ball due to the hit by the rookie. That wasn't the outcome, though.
The fine for Boyd may seem like a low amount. We saw Derek Carr get fined notably more for just a dance move in Week 2.
In actuality, Boyd's is lower compared to many NFL fines. That's due to his rookie salary. Katherine Terrell relayed why that is on social media earlier on Friday.
All in all, Boyd is not going to let the league take his money without a fight. He will continue to push for the notion that he did not make a fine-worthy play against the Eagles. We will see what the league decides for Boyd's wallet.
