ASU DB Shamari Simmons Ejected After Controversial Hit in 4th Quarter

On Saturday, Arizona State University defensive back Shamari Simmons was ejected from the game against the University of Southern California (USC) after a controversial hit on USC wide receiver Kyle Ford. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter with USC leading 31-14. Ford caught a pass over the middle and was running towards the end zone when Simmons delivered a high hit that knocked Ford’s helmet off.

Conflicting Perspectives on the Hit

There have been conflicting perspectives on the legality of Simmons’ hit. Some argue that the hit was dangerous and unnecessary, while others believe that it was a clean hit within the rules of the game.

Those who believe the hit was dangerous point to the fact that Simmons’ helmet made contact with Ford’s head and neck area. They also argue that Simmons was not attempting to tackle Ford, but rather to knock him out of the game. Supporters of Simmons, on the other hand, argue that he was simply trying to make a tackle and that there was no malicious intent behind the hit. They also point out that Ford was able to get up and walk off the field after the hit.

NCAA Investigation and Officials’ Decisions

The NCAA is currently investigating the incident. The Pac-12 Conference has also issued a statement, saying that they will review the play and take appropriate action if necessary.

The officials on the field ruled that the hit was illegal and ejected Simmons from the game. This decision was met with both cheers and boos from the crowd. Some fans felt that the ejection was justified, while others believed that it was too harsh.

Ethical Considerations

The incident raises important ethical considerations about the safety of players in football. Some argue that the game has become too violent and that there needs to be more emphasis on player safety. Others believe that football is a physical game and that players should expect to get hit hard.

The NCAA has made some rule changes in recent years in an effort to improve player safety. For example, the NCAA has banned blindside blocks and has limited the use of helmet-to-helmet contact. However, some argue that more needs to be done to protect players from serious injuries.

Conclusion

The ejection of ASU DB Shamari Simmons after a controversial hit on USC wide receiver Kyle Ford has sparked a debate about the safety of players in football. There are conflicting perspectives on the legality of the hit, and the NCAA is currently investigating the incident. The incident raises important ethical considerations about the safety of players and the need for more emphasis on player safety in football.

It is important to note that the views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Arizona State University or the Pac-12 Conference.