NOT GUILTY: Saints DT Nathan Shepherd Wins NFL Appeal after $11,000 dollars fine due to…
Nathan Shepherd, the defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints, has successfully appealed an $11,817 fine levied by the NFL. The fine was imposed after a Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, in which Shepherd was penalized for unnecessary roughness against quarterback Justin Herbert.
The play in question occurred midway through the second quarter, when Shepherd tackled Herbert to the ground. Chargers offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman retaliated by shoving Shepherd, and both players were flagged for unnecessary roughness.
Shepherd and the Saints immediately appealed the fine, arguing that there was no malicious intent behind the play. Saints head coach Dennis Allen defended Shepherd’s actions, stating that he was simply trying to wrap up the quarterback and bring him to the ground.
“The play was a physical play, but it wasn’t a dirty play,” Allen said. “Nathan’s a physical player, and he’s going to play with a lot of passion and energy. We’re not trying to hurt anybody, but we’re going to play with a lot of physicality.”
The NFL has since rescinded the fine, ruling in favor of Shepherd’s appeal. This decision is a significant victory for Shepherd and the Saints, as it acknowledges that the defensive tackle did not intend to injure Herbert.
Shepherd has been an important contributor to the Saints’ defense this season, registering 27 tackles and half a sack in 11 starts. His successful appeal of the fine is a testament to his commitment to playing fair and safe football.
“I’m just glad that the NFL saw it the way that we did,” Shepherd said. “I’m not trying to hurt anybody out there. I’m just trying to play football and help my team win.”
The decision to rescind the fine is also a positive development for the Saints, who have been dealing with a number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. With Shepherd’s fine being overturned, the team will not have to worry about losing one of its key defensive players to a suspension.
In addition to the fine being rescinded, the NFL also acknowledged that the penalty called on Shepherd during the game was incorrect. The league’s admission of error is a rare occurrence, and it highlights the complexity and nuance of the game.
The incident involving Shepherd and Herbert highlights the challenges that players and coaches face in trying to balance physicality and safety in the game. While the NFL has implemented a number of rules and regulations aimed at reducing injuries and promoting player safety, there is still a fine line between playing with passion and energy and crossing the line into dirty or unsportsmanlike conduct.
In the end, the decision to rescind Shepherd’s fine is a positive development for the Saints and the NFL as a whole. It acknowledges the complexity and nuance of the game, while also promoting fairness and safety for all players.
As the Saints continue to push for a playoff spot, Shepherd’s successful appeal of the fine is a welcome development for the team. With his passion, energy, and commitment to playing fair and safe football, Shepherd is an important part of the Saints’ defense and a key contributor to the team’s success.
