NFL suspends former Georgia LB Thomas Davis for blindside hit on Davante Adams

On Sunday, Carolina Panthers LB Thomas Davis, a former Georgia star, blindsided Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams after an interception.

The hit drew immediate criticism from around the league and from a large number of fans on Twitter and it was clear from the moment it happened that Davis would be punished.

As you can see in the video below, this is exactly the type of hit that the NFL is trying to get out of the league:

Here’s a look at the hit Thomas Davis laid on Davante Adams. He’s up and moving. #Packers pic.twitter.com/BQLf3y1x0q

— Mike Cianciolo (@MikeCianciolo) December 17, 2017

On Monday, the NFL announced it was suspending Davis for two games due to the illegal hit, calling Davis a repeat offender:

Official word of Panthers’ LB Thomas Davis’ two-game suspension, with an explanation as to why: pic.twitter.com/GHjfufnGd5

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2017

Sadly, this isn’t the first time Adams has been blindsided by an opponent, as Chicago Bears LB Danny Trevathan (a former Kentucky Wildcat) was also suspended two games for a similar hit on Adams earlier this year:

The NFL is suspending @ThomasDavisSDTM two games for this hit on @tae15adams. Danny Trevathan received the same suspension for his hit on Davante Adams back in Week 4, but it was reduced to one game following an appeal. #Packers #Panthers https://t.co/tdjy59NZgD

— Mike Cianciolo (@MikeCianciolo) December 18, 2017

Adams is, understandably, still upset about the hit, taking to Twitter to question Davis’s motives on the play:

I’ll never understand it. Game is already dangerous enough and we got Pro Bowl players out here head hunting and saying they “didn’t mean to harm me”

— Davante Adams (@tae15adams) December 18, 2017

Somebody please explain to me what I wasnt trying to hurt him means when we nowhere near the play and u lead with ya head and ear hole a defenseless player….

— Davante Adams (@tae15adams) December 18, 2017

Davis responded to Adams’ tweet, apologizing for the hit, but it doesn’t seem like Adams is ready to accept the apology:

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

Whether or not Davis gets his suspension reduced remains to be seen, but he’ll appeal the NFL’s decision. One thing is for sure though — he won’t be available for the game against Tampa Bay this coming Sunday.

Adam Spencer

Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.