Saints vs. Packers: Charles Woodson Deserves Suspension Even After Apology

The New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers provided plenty of entertainment in the first game of the 2011 NFL season.

The offensive display from both teams was incredible, but one unfortunate event is getting plenty of publicity today.

Packers star cornerback Charles Woodson punched Saints tight end David Thomas at the conclusion of second half play.

Thomas was holding onto Woodson after the play, which apparently set him off. After the game, Woodson spoke with Mike Spofford and Vic Ketchman of the Packers Website, and had this to say about the incident:

"

I lost my cool. The guy was blocking me and holding me and I’m trying to get off him. I just lost my cool. That’s all on me.

"

The apology was the right thing to do from a PR perspective, but it doesn't do anything to change what happened.

The NFL is out here fining players heavily for big hits in the heat of the moment, during the game. Football is football, let them play. That is a whole separate argument, but it has its place here.

If we are fining people the same amount for a cheap shot that occurs after a play is over as we are for a hit that happens during the game, that just doesn't make sense.

Any punching that occurs after a play certainly warrants a suspension. In fact, any punch should warrant a suspension. Cortland Finnegan and Andre Johnson got into a boxing match last season that resulted in each player receiving just $25,000 fines.

Forget stricter punishments for a big hit that can't always be prevented, I want stricter punishments for things that can be prevented.