Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was suspended for five games by the NFL Monday, for kicking Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Andre Gurode in the head during the Titans 45-14 on Sunday.
The play occurred with 11:53 remaining in the third quarter when Haynesworth stomped on the head of Gurode, whose helmet had come off during or after a 5-yard touchdown run by Julius Jones.
Gurode needed 30 stitches to seal up to cuts above and below his eye.
Haynesworth apologized after the game and called his behavior “disgusting”, “embarrassing” and a disgrace to his name.
My question is – does this situation deserve legal attention? If a fight breaks out on a street corner and a man gets kicked in the face – wouldn’t there be legal ramifications that the kicker would have to deal with?
This question is probably a moot point since Gurode has already decided not to press any charges against Haynesworth, but it’s certainly an interesting debate.
My opinion is that this guy should be suspended for the rest of the season – no questions asked. It’s a privilege to play in the NFL and Haynesworth voided that privilege when he decided to take the bottom of his shoe across a defenseless man’s face. I also believe that it’s up to the victim whether or not to press criminal charges and if Gurode doesn’t seem like that is necessary – than so be it.
Anybody think that five games is too light of a suspension? Or is it too much?
