Punishment Doesn’t Fit the Crime in NFL

A rule to stop late, illegal hits, such as the one that put San Diego Chargers quarterback John Friesz out for the season, must be formulated. The offending player would be suspended, without pay, for the same period the injured player cannot perform. Permanent injury, permanent suspension.

A panel of experts would view game film and decide. Suspension without pay would prevent the use of expendable players to execute the dirty work. No longer would a team suffer the loss, perhaps permanent, of a key player, while the team at fault would lose 15 yards.

PATRICK GOFF

San Diego