I typically don't get involved with game break downs, especially when it's an opposing coach talking to a fan. But the hit on the player who was injured was neither dirty, nor "unnecesssary". Tribe was in a pistol formation and the up-back tried to block for the runner. I'm very sorry he was injured on the play and have prayed for him every day since his injury. But to even bring it up as though it was not an unfortunate incident is bordering on disrespectful to both players. Tribe's player lowered his helmet to block, my player lowered his helmet to take on the block and move on to the player with the ball. There was nothing dirty about the play, just an unfortunate outcome for the injured player. Wasn't called helmet-to-helmet contact for the same reason it wasn't called five plays earlier, when Tribe's #7 knocked the snot out of my running back (#9) on the sweep pass. 100% helmet-to-helmet; but when the offensive player lowers their head before contact; there's nothing the defensive player can do. #9 got hit hard and was taken off the field. Fortunately returning a few plays later, but no mention from our sidelines on the "necessity" of the hit by Tribe's defense.
I don't want any of my statements to take away from the heart shown on the field by Tribe players. They came in injured and were suffering from cramps in the game. We walked away from this game with a great deal of respect for your players. I'm just not used to defending a 25 point win and the integrity of my players. I do sincerely apologize to the players, from both sides, who are reading this forum.
