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By Nathan Kamal
Contributing Sports Writer
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Baltimore Ravens star linebacker Roquan Smith has finally spoken up about the hip-drop tackle that put Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin on the injured reserve list in Week 7.
More News: Ravens' Roquan Smith Fined Steep Amount For Illegal Hit
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Late in the Ravens' 41-31 win over Tampa Bay in Week 7, Roquan Smith made a brutal tackle on Godwin without drawing a penalty. With just a minute left in the game, Godwin caught a pass over the middle and broke an initial tackle, only to be brought down by Smith. At the time, Godwin was leading the NFL with 50 receptions. Following the play, Godwin was carted off the field.
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The NFL later issued discipline to Roquan Smith for the hip-drop tackle that led to Chris Godwin suffering a season-ending dislocated left ankle. According to league rules, a hip-drop tackle must meet three criteria: the tackler must use both hands or arms to grab or wrap the ball carrier; unweight himself by rotating and dropping his hips or lower body; and then land on and trap the opponent's leg(s) at or below the knee.
Initially, Smith was hit with a hefty $16,883 fine for unnecessary, which has since been rescinded on successful appeal by the Butkus Award winner. Now, the Ravens player has spoken up about the incident involving Godwin (per NBC Sports).
"First and foremost, [I'm] wishing a speedy recovery for Godwin," Smith told reporters. "It was never my intention to hurt anyone, like I've said before, but it was a clean tackle."
He continued, "It was just on Monday Night Football, the entire world was watching, and hey, it may look like something, but it wasn't. That was clear that it wasn't, but speedy recovery to him, and I move on with my day."
More News: Buccaneers Place Star WR on Injured Reserve, Likely to Miss Rest of the Season
Prior to the tackle, Godwin had recorded 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns this season and was on track to set new career highs in nearly every statistical category. However, the injury is expected to sideline him for the rest of the season.
Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles mentioned that Godwin could return if the team makes a late playoff push, though the chances of that happening are slim.
"There's a chance if we make a late playoff run, he could be back," Bowles said. "But he's undergoing surgery and will be out. He did have some additional structural damage to the ankle."
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