Philadelphia defensive end Trent Cole played a great game yesterday. He led his team in tackles, thrice sacked Miami's quarterbacks, and helped his team dominate the Dolphins.
Seattle left tackle Russell Okung won't play tonight, because Cole hurt him after a play late in the game last Thursday.
Frustrated because Okung had the temerity to block him effectively for most of the game, Cole refused to release his opponent at the whistle. Instead, the defensive end used judo leverage to flip the offensive lineman, tearing his pectoral muscle and ending his season.
No official threw a flag.
Last week, the NFL fined Cole $7500 fine for a cheap shot that sentenced Okung to injured reserve for the rest of 2011, and rehab well into 2012. The league fined Golden Tate the same amount for excessive celebration after a touchdown.
The NFL does not consider injuries to other players when establishing the consequences for cheap shots. They should.
When it comes to post-whistle cheap shots, the league must terminate offenders with extreme prejudice.
Cole should be forced to sit as long as Okung did. If the left tackle never plays again, then neither should Cole.
For the duration of Okung's injury, Cole and his team should be forced to reimburse Seattle for the cost of his surgery, his rehabilitation, and his salary--including a prorated portion of his signing bonus.
If the league were serious about eliminating this kind of dirty play, that's how they would handle it.
Cole says he's not a dirty player.
Look at the game film and judge for yourself. It's on YouTube. Video doesn't lie, but Trent Cole does; he is both a liar and a dirty player.
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