h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Dunno how many of you sw it live on Sunday night, or on the replay yesterday (or on PTI and Around the Horn for that matter) but that was one vicious hit Donovon Darius lay on Robert Ferguson on Sunday in the Jags @ Packers game.

I don't think he tried to intentionally hurt Ferguson, but I still think a suspension alongisde the fine the league is likely to plant on him is in order.
Sometimes, the "defenseless reciever" rule is a bit of a joke, but in this case I'd say that a clothesline that ripped the reciever's helmet clean off, and where the arm is wrapped around the neck of the guy is good reason for a suspension.

What's your opinion?

What happened? Give us the context.

4:41 left in the fourth quarter, Packers driving down the field, trailing by 11 points.
Favre throws a pass to the middle of the field, which Robert Ferguson jumps up to grab and pulls it down. Before he's hit the ground with his feet, Donovon Darius comes charging in and clotheslines Ferguson so that his helmet is cleanly ripped off his head and Ferguson hit the ground much like a bag of vegetable soup would.

Ferguson was seemingly knocked out and according to reports, lost feeling and movement of his legs and lower body while suffering a concussion.
Incredibly, he still held onto the ball for the completion (31 yards).

Game officials threw a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct for 15 yards, and then ejected Darius from the game. Ferguson was taken to a hospital where reports say that he'll spend the night til Tuesday. Packers coach Mike Sherman spoke to Ferguson on Sunday night and said that he was feeling some weakness in his arms, but wasn't sure if he was up and walking again as of Monday.

Ferguson gave a thumbs up to the crowd while being carted off the field, even if he at the time couldn't move his feet at all.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/GB/8019438

NFL.com story...

I saw the article on ESPN, but they didn't have video. I can't say it's a dirty hit or not without seeing the video.

Not sure if it'll work properly, but there's a video clip at:

http://msn.foxsports.com/story/3264478

Picture of the aftermath of the hit...

http://msn.foxsports.com/id/3262060_7_3.jpg

Darius has been handed his fine for that swing.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/8023581

75k...

Is this the Jags safety?

This week's / months' Sports Illustrated is a NFL training camp special. There's an article about his preparation in there. The bit that stuck out most is that he practices catching balls fired from a throwing machine at 60mph, at 10-yds! Crazy boy!

BBS