John Henderson Deserves at Least a Four-Game Suspension

paul williams — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:27:19 -0500

John Henderson vs. Andrew Whitworth. It started with an uppercut from Henderson that ripped Whitworth's helmet off during a play. As the two continued to lock limbs and struggle, Henderson reached around Whitworth's unprotected head, in a half head-lock motion, and raked at Whitworth's eyes four or five times. At this point, Whitworth began defending himself, throwing numerous punches into the former pro-bowler's facemask.

Both squads on the field began to join the fray. Referees attempted to control the situation and yellow flags flew. Whitworth gathered himself, then started yelling across to Henderson.

Henderson never regained control. Teammates led him off the field as he continued to display what could only be called uncontrolled anger. Finally, he regained some cool once he reached the sideline. The stadium crowd awoke from their listless sleep of 2008, and then the referees tossed both players.

Looking at the incident in hindsight, Whitworth was within his rights to defend his eyesight. Frankly, he would have been within his rights to retrieve his helmet and crown Henderson to the ground with it.

Henderson's actions are no less reprehensible than a Titans player stomping on another player's head. Henderson should be suspended for four games if not all remaining games of the 2008 season.

Henderson should also make a public acknowledgement of his actions. The NFL should make it a condition of his reinstatement, and the Jaguars' front office should require it, too.

Bleacher Report - Articles by paul williams

John Henderson Deserves at Least a Four-Game Suspension