Thomas Davis labeled a repeat offender, suspended two games

Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis has been suspended two games for a blindside hit on Packers wide receiver Davante Adams…

Fans of both the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers will view the Thomas Davis blindside block of wide receiver Davante Adams in two very different lights. Panthers fans saw a linebacker mistakingly hit an opponent helmet to helmet, while Packers fans recognized a repeat offender headhunting in a league attempting to curb unnecessary hits like the one in question.

Following Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ second interception, Davis leveled Adams with a vicious block in an attempt to clear a path for Colin Jones to make a return. Unquestionably, he led with his helmet and was rightfully flagged for the illegal hit.

Adams was attended to briefly on the field before being escorted to the sideline and entered into the NFL concussion protocol for the second time this season. Prior to exiting the sideline area, Adams let Panthers fans know he was not pleased with the actions of Davis by responding with a middle finger to the stands.

While Davis didn’t have media availability following the game, on Monday he issued an apology via Twitter after Adams questioned the hit and play.

I understand your frustration and I do apologize for the hit! In no way was I trying to hurt you. My first instinct was turn and make a block. In all sincerity I do apologize. I truly respect you as a player and I made a mistake!
— Thomas Davis (@ThomasDavisSDTM) December 18, 2017

Adams wasn’t receptive to the apology, doubling down with two more tweets about the hit before admitting frustration with being the subject of two concussions in a single season as a result of questionable hits.

More from Cat Crave

Immediately following the game, Rodgers too piled on Davis for delivering the hit, calling him a ‘repeat offender’. The Panthers linebacker was fined earlier this season for a hit on Buccaneers wide receiver Adam Humphries. Also flagged on that play, Davis received an excessive amount for delivering yet another questionable hit after an initial fine last season against Kansas City and another questionable hit on Russell Shepard, then a member of the Buccaneers.

Depending on which color jersey you support, the criticism can either be denied or supported but the fact is Davis has been subject to multiple fines for recent questionable hits – three in his past 22 games.

After only being assessed for 11 penalties over the previous five seasons, the recent uptick adds fuel to an opposing fans’ fire but his character exhibited off the field should also carry some weight when forming an opinion of Thomas Davis, the football player and person.

Next: CAR vs. GB - Defense Report Card

It won’t take long to conclude the former Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner is far from a dirty player.

Home/Carolina Panthers News