Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell was fined $15,930 this week for a hip drop tackle in Sunday night’s game against the Carolina Panthers. On the surface, it’s not that big of a deal, as Campbell just got paid, and he can more than afford the penalty.
However, the NFL has a new rule that could eventually result in Campbell being suspended.
Starting this year, if a player commits a “major” foul three times, they will serve a one-game suspension. This rule is only in place for a very small set of
infractions, aimed at targeting player safety. The five fouls that fit into this category are:
- Hip drop tackle
- Horse collar tackle
- Launching
- Hit on a defenseless player
- Blindside block
Simply put, if at player commits a combination of three fouls in any of these categories, they will serve a one-game suspension. Per the NFL, these offenses will carry forward to subsequent seasons, as well. That said, all of these fines are subject to an appeal, if desired.
Here is video of Campbell’s illegal tackle (no penalty was called on the play):
Here is what the rulebook says about a hip drop tackle:
ARTICLE 18. HIP-DROP TACKLE. It is a foul if a player uses the following technique to bring a runner to the ground:
(a) grabs the runner with one or both hands or wraps the runner with both arms; and
(b) unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and/or trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee
In addition to Campbell’s fine, Detroit tight end Brock Wright was also fined $17,911 for a leg whip. That is not one of the categories that would have Wright subject to a fine if he is a repeat offender.
