NFL blindly overturns fine for disgusting hit on Chargers' QB Justin Herbert

Protecting quarterbacks is the most important thing for the NFL in the year 2024. That is why it is so bewildering that the league is seemingly turning a blind eye to a play that could have seriously injured LA Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

Back in Week 8, New Orleans Saints' defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd got ahold of Herbert's leg and even though the ball was out of the quarterback's hand, decided to twist Herbert to the ground in a gator roll maneuver.

Herbert was still recovering from a high ankle sprain at the time, making the dirty play seem even more intentional. Center Bradley Bozeman quickly pounced on Shepherd and gave him the business, later calling it one of the dirtiest plays he has ever seen.

The NFL did the right thing and fined Shepherd after the game for the play... only to completely go back on the fine weeks later. Shepherd appealed the decision and it was reported on Wednesday that the NFL rescinded the $11,817 fine. So much for protecting the quarterback.

NFL overturning Nathan Shepherd fine is a slap in the face to Justin Herbert and the Chargers

Nobody likes to see someone losing out on over $10,000 but there have to be consequences for your actions in the NFL. Even if Shepherd wasn't grasping at an injured right ankle, the fact that he would rip a quarterback to the ground in this manner after the ball had been thrown is disgusting. There is no place for plays like this in football.

The NFL rescinding the fine is almost worse than the hit itself. This is the same league that touts player safety and is doing everything it can to keep players from getting hurt.

This is the same league that suspended Derwin James and upheld the suspension, one game for a questionable hit on Pat Freiermuth. Let's not forget that Freiermuth himself was part of the appeal process, telling the league that he did not believe it was a dirty hit.

That was not enough for the NFL to overturn James' suspension. But for some reason, the league thought there was enough of a case to rescind this fine on Shepherd.

By rescinding the fine, the NFL is essentially saying it is completely fine with this play on Justin Herbert and that there was nothing wrong with it. But we all know if James tackled Patrick Mahomes like this Roger Goodell himself would hand-deliver a multi-game suspension to the Chargers' safety.

No quarterback in the NFL, whether it be a superstar like Herbert and Mahomes or a lesser-known name, should be put in a dangerous position like this. And when they are, those who put said quarterback in a dangerous position should be punished.

Somehow, some way, Shepherd got off with just a slap on the wrist.