After some very scary few minutes, there is great news. Darrius Heyward-Bey, wide receiver from the Oakland Raiders, was released from the hospital this afternoon. Heyward-Bey suffered what looked to be one of the worst helmet-to-helmet hits seen this season. Heyward-Bey leaped for a pass and met Pittsburgh safety Ryan Mundy’s helmet in his face. He was knocked out cold in the air. He lay on the ground for eleven minutes which felt more like eleven years to family and Oakland fans. He was carted off the field and gave the thumbs up to the crowd, a much welcomed sign after such a scare. He was diagnosed with a concussion and a neck strain. This hit could have resulted in a much more serious injury. Heyward-Bey definitely got lucky as he is expected to make a full recovery.
The worst part? There was NO flag on the play. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. This has to be proof that the replacement refs need to go. Players are getting seriously hurt as others try and push the limits knowing they won’t be called for any of it. If this doesn’t show that player safety is being put on the line, then I don’t think anything will. Wasn’t it Roger Goodell who said nothing is more important than player safety?
