If there’s anyone who’s relieved about last night’s Seattle-Green Bay call, it might be Broncos linebacker Joe Mays.
Prior to last night’s debacle, Mays’ helmet-to-helmet shot on Texans quarterback Matt Schaub was one of the signature plays of the weekend, particularly when we found out Schaub lost part of his ear.
But as replacement ref controversy takes over the land, May’s latest apology isn’t going to get that much attention.
“I play fast,” Mays said, via Mike Klis of the Denver Post. “I don’t want people to think I’m a dirty player or a headhunter or anything like that. I just play fast.”
Mays apologized to Schaub on the field after the game, and again inside the stadium after both teams had dressed. Schaub, who might not have been able to hear the whole thing, told Mays there were no hard feelings.
“I know this: He didn’t do it intentionally to hurt him,” Broncos coach John Fox said. “That’s not Joe Mays. That’s not what we teach. It’s accidental. Playing football.”
Mays was fined $7,875 last week for a roughing the passer penalty on Atlanta’s Matt Ryan, but should be prepared for a much larger one this week.