NFL fines Quinn for hit on Suggs
Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn has been fined by the NFL for his low hit on Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs.
After throwing an interception in Monday night’s 16-0 loss to the Ravens, Quinn dived at Suggs’ knees while trying to bring down cornerback Chris Carr, who had picked him off. Suggs was injured and had to leave the game. He could miss other games because of this injury.
Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis accused Quinn of a cheap shot.
Quinn understands why the Ravens were mad and can appreciate them questioning his intentions.
“I can see why they’d be upset,” he said. “But again, he wasn’t even in my vision. I was trying to get to the ball. He cut across my face as I was already try to jump down for the tackle.”
Quinn dropped his head and threw his body into Suggs’ right knee, thinking he would be able to bring down Carr. He was flagged for a low block and the Browns were penalized 15 yards.
Quinn received a letter from the league on Wednesday fining him $10,000.
He maintains he was not trying to hurt Suggs, with whom he has worked out in the off-season. Quinn apologized to him and the Ravens after the game and plans to reach out to Suggs again.
“I wasn’t trying to go for him,” he said. “I was trying to go for the ball carrier. Unfortunately, a thing like that can happen. I’m praying for him. Hopefully he’ll be all right.”
Browns coach Eric Mangini believes Quinn was only trying to tackle Carr.
“Knowing Brady, he’s a good person,” Mangini said. “I don’t think he would ever look to hurt someone deliberately.”
The NFL continues to crack down on illegal hits. According to ESPN.com‘s Michael Smith The MRI on Suggs revealed a severe sprain of the MCL in his right knee where Quinn hit him during Monday night’s Ravens vs. Browns game.
This is the danger when a quarterback goes to block. In an effort to not expose themselves to injury they always go really low on the defender who is focused on making the tackle on another player. Granted it’s a fast game but a torn MCL is a season ending injury, possibly a career ending one depending on the stage of the players career.
I think a stiffer fine than $10,000 need to be given on these quarterbacks that illegally chop block. It’s a drop in the bucket for these quarterback who receive all the protection in the world. The NFL has to ask itself if a quarterback got hit the same way what would be the fine? $25,000? $50,000? The NFL should answer that question and then hit Brady Quinn the same amount.
The video is the best out there and there is no slow mo replays either to really get a good look but go to the 1:50 mark of the video. You’ll see the block up at the top of the screen after the interception, right at the 40 yard line at 1:55 of the video.
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