New Orleans Saints’ Nathan Shepherd Has Fine Rescinded After Controversial Takedown of Justin Herbert
In a surprising turn of events, New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd has successfully appealed an $11,817 fine for unnecessary roughness, according to a source. The fine stemmed from a controversial play during the Saints’ Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on October 27, where Shepherd was accused of attempting to reinjure Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
The incident in question occurred as Herbert was throwing a pass. Shepherd pulled the star quarterback to the ground and, in the process, rolled over with his arms wrapped around Herbert’s right leg. This caused Herbert’s already sprained right ankle to twist awkwardly, sparking outrage from Chargers players and fans alike. Several Chargers players accused Shepherd of intentionally targeting Herbert’s injured ankle, a claim that added fuel to the fire on social media.
Offsetting Penalties and Heated Reactions
The play didn’t just result in a fine for Shepherd. Both he and Chargers center Bradley Bozeman were flagged for unnecessary roughness. Bozeman had jumped on Shepherd and shoved him off Herbert in an effort to protect his quarterback. The officials assessed offsetting penalties, but only Shepherd faced a fine for the incident. Bozeman, notably, was not fined.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh later awarded Bozeman a game ball for his actions, citing his commitment to protecting Herbert. “It’s about standing up for your teammates,” Harbaugh said, a sentiment that resonated with Chargers fans who praised Bozeman’s quick response.
Shepherd’s Defense and NFL’s Decision
Shepherd, who has had a clean record this season with no other fines or penalties, appealed the NFL’s decision. Last week, he received notice that the fine had been rescinded. This decision came as a relief to Shepherd and the Saints organization, especially after the backlash on social media accusing him of dirty play.
Former Saints head coach Dennis Allen, who was fired shortly after a loss to the Carolina Panthers, defended Shepherd the day after the game. Allen dismissed the accusations, stating that Shepherd’s actions were not intentional. However, the controversy surrounding the play added to the Saints’ turbulent season, which ultimately led to Allen’s dismissal.
Breaking Down the Key Moments
Here’s a quick recap of the key moments from this incident:
- Shepherd pulled Herbert to the ground during a pass attempt, twisting Herbert’s already sprained right ankle.
- Both Shepherd and Bozeman were flagged for unnecessary roughness, but only Shepherd was fined.
- Bozeman received a game ball from Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh for protecting Herbert.
- Shepherd successfully appealed the $11,817 fine, which was rescinded by the NFL last week.
What’s Next for Shepherd and the Saints?
For Shepherd, the rescinded fine is a small victory in what has been a challenging season for the Saints. The team has struggled to find consistency, and the firing of Dennis Allen only added to the uncertainty surrounding the franchise. As for Shepherd, this incident will likely serve as a reminder of the fine line between aggressive play and unnecessary roughness in the NFL.
Meanwhile, the Chargers will continue to rally around Herbert, who remains a cornerstone of their franchise. The quarterback’s health is paramount, and incidents like this only highlight the importance of protecting star players in a league where injuries can derail entire seasons.
As the NFL season marches on, this incident will likely fade into the background, but it serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny players face on and off the field. For now, Nathan Shepherd can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that his record remains clean—for this season, at least.
Originally Written by: ESPN Staff
