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On Sunday, Davante Adams was knocked out of a game by a dirty hit for the second time this season, as Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis took him out on an interception return.
Davis led with his helmet, making forcible contact with Adams’ helmet while he was turned the other way in an effort to chase down safety Colin Jones, who had the football. Adams was concussed by the hit and did not return to the game, and his status for Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings is in doubt.
Meanwhile, Davis only received a personal foul penalty, remaining in the game to make a few big plays later in the contest to help seal the Panthers’ victory.
Of course, Adams was taken out on a similar head-to-head collision earlier this season, when Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan took out the defenseless receiver over the middle.
On Monday morning, Adams took to Twitter to express his displeasure about the hits he has taken this season, particularly the one from Davis on Sunday. Take a look:
I’ll never understand it. Game is already dangerous enough and we got Pro Bowl players out here head hunting and saying they “didn’t mean to harm me”
— Davante Adams (@tae15adams) December 18, 2017
Somebody please explain to me what I wasnt trying to hurt him means when we nowhere near the play and u lead with ya head and ear hole a defenseless player....
— Davante Adams (@tae15adams) December 18, 2017
Look it’s football but no room for shit like that. We supposed to be in this together n look out for one another not mess with a mans livelihood and hand out unnecessary concussions. We all got mouths to feed what if I did that to him and his kids cant eat...
— Davante Adams (@tae15adams) December 18, 2017
Not the type to rant but when u go through this shit twice in a year it takes a lil toll on u so excuse me.
— Davante Adams (@tae15adams) December 18, 2017
It’s tough to argue Adams’ point here; even if a player says he “did not intend to cause harm,” that’s not enough. Players need to actively ensure that they are not causing harm rather than apologizing after the fact.
Here’s hoping that Adams gets fully healthy prior to his return to the field — whenever that is.
UPDATE: Thomas Davis tweeted out a response to Adams' comments later et on Monday. Read his response here:
I understand your frustration and I do apologize for the hit! In no way was I trying to hurt you. My first instinct was turn and make a block. In all sincerity I do apologize. I truly respect you as a player and I made a mistake!
— Thomas Davis (@ThomasDavisSDTM) December 18, 2017